Eric Dane's Family 'Saddened' By Oscars Snub as Touching Final Tribute to Late Star Revealed
Eric Dane's family were 'saddened' by the late star's omission from the Oscars' In Memoriam segment.
March 18 2026, Published 4:20 p.m. ET
Eric Dane's family has been left "saddened" by the star's omission from the Oscars' emotional In Memoriam segment, according to new claims, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
The late Grey's Anatomy actor's loved ones were in agreement with many shocked viewers who hit out at the Academy Awards chiefs for failing to include the recently departed star in the tribute.
What Did Eric Dane's Family Say About Snub?
Sources close to Dane's widow, Rebecca Gayheart, said they were 'saddened' but understood his omission.
The Euphoria star died at age 53 last month amid a courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
A source close to his widow, Rebecca Gayheart, 54, told TMZ the family was upset to not see him included in the main broadcast, but they understand the omission.
"It was a year of profound loss for the industry," the insider noted.
Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek and legendary actress Brigitte Bardot were also omitted from the tribute during Sunday night's ceremony, which included the late Catherine O’Hara and filmmaker Rob Reiner.
However, Dane will receive a public memorial due to an effort spearheaded by fans, who aim to make the beloved actor "smile and feel loved and know that his life was not in vain."
'These Words Are For You'
The late actor recorded a deeply personal message for his two daughters, which was shown on Netflix.
Months before his death, Dane secretly recorded an interview for Netflix in which he left a deeply personal message for his two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14.
In the wake of his passing, Netflix added the new documentary to its library, giving fans an intimate look at Dane's final reflections.
The 50-minute film, titled Famous Last Words: Eric Dane, was recorded in secret with the understanding it would only be released posthumously, according to reports.
Toward the end of the interview with Gwyneth Paltrow's husband, Brad Falchuk, Dane addressed his daughters directly, speaking to the camera with them in mind: "Billie and Georgia, these words are for you. I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried."
He continued: "Overall, we had a blast, didn’t we?"
Eric Dane's Message: 'Live Right Now in the Present'
Dane, here with Gayheart and daughters Billie and Georgia, gave them four pieces of advice.
Dane went on to explain that he wanted to share four final lessons he had learned from his illness and asked them to listen closely.
"First, live now, right now in the present. It's hard, but I learned to do that," Dane said.
"For years, I would wander off mentally, lost in my head for long chunks of time, wallowing in worry and self-pity, shame and doubt. I replayed decisions, second-guessed myself. 'I shouldn't have done this. I never should've done that.' No more.’
The TV star said that "out of pure survival," he was forced to stay in the present.
"Second, fall in love. Not necessarily with a person, although I do recommend that as well. But fall in love with something," Dane said.
"Find your passion, your joy. Find the thing that makes you wanna get up in the morning."
The 'Grey's Anatomy' star was grateful to the friends who 'stepped up' during his illness.
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
He told his daughters he'd found his love for acting at their age and urged them to pursue their passions fully.
"Third, choose your friends wisely. Find your people and allow them to find you, and then give yourselves to them," the dad-of-two said. "The best of them will give back to you. No judgment. No conditions. No questions asked."
Dane said he was profoundly grateful to the friends who "stepped up" during his illness.
"Just show up. And love your friends with everything you have. Hang on to them. They will entertain you, guide you, support you, and some will save you," he said.
Dane told his daughters they were his 'heart' in his final words.
"Finally, fight with every ounce of your being and with dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight," he said. "Never give up. Fight until your last breath. This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit."
"So when something unexpected hits you, and it will, because that's life, fight and face it with honesty, integrity, and grace, even if it feels or seems insurmountable."
"I hope I've demonstrated that you can face anything. You can face the end of your days. You can face hell with dignity. Fight girls, and hold your heads high," he continued, his voice breaking.
"Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words."
