Eric Dane was handsome, gifted, and yes, tormented. He died only 10 months after revealing his ALS diagnosis. It took a while to diagnose, as is common with ALS. Even by that cruel disease’s standards, his time was short. He was just 53.

But before he died, he recorded his final interview, now airing now on Netflix’ Famous Last Words. His most impactful words were to his girls. What he had to say moved and inspired me, so I’m sharing them here:

“I want to tell you four things I’ve learned from this disease, and I hope you don’t just listen to me. I hope you’ll hear me.

“First, live now. Right now. In the present. It’s hard, but I learned to do that. For years, I have been wandering around mentally and lost in my head for long chunks of time, wallowing and worrying in self-pity, shame, and doubt,” he said. “I’ve replayed decisions, second-guessed myself. ‘I shouldn’t have done this. I never should’ve that.’ No more.

“Out of pure survival, I am forced to stay in the present. But I don’t want to be anywhere else. The past contains regrets. The future remains unknown. So you have to live now. The present is all you have. Treasure it. Cherish every moment.

“Second, fall in love. Not necessarily with a person, although I do recommend that as well. But fall in love with something,” he said. “Find your passion, your joy. Find the thing that makes you want to get up in the morning, drives you through the entire day. I fell in love for the first time when I was about your age. I fell in love with acting. That love eventually got me through my darkest hours, my darkest days, my darkest year. I still love my work, I still look forward to it, I still want to get in front of a camera and play my part. My work doesn’t define me, but it excites me. Find something that excites you. Find your path, your purpose, your dream. Then go for it. Really go for it.

“Choose your friends wisely,” he advised. “Find your people and allow them to find you. And then give yourselves to them. The best of them will give back to you. No judgment, no conditions, no questions asked. I’m so thankful for my very close family and friends. Every single one has stepped up. I can’t do little things I used to do. I can’t drive around, go to the gym, get coffee, hang out. But I’ve learned to embrace alternatives.

“My friends come to me, we eat together, watch a game, listen to music. They don’t do anything special, they just show up. That’s a big one. Just show up.

“And love your friends with everything you have. Hang onto them. They will entertain you, guide you, help you, support you, and some will save you.

“Fight with every ounce of your being, and with dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight. Never give up. Fight until your last breath. This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit.”

His final few words were aimed directly at his two girls:

“Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.”

If you’d like to hear his entire interview, find it on Netflix under Famous Last Words. You won’t regret it.