After beloved “Grey’s Anatomy” heartthrob Eric Dane died of ALS, tributes poured in from his family, friends and fans. One of the most detailed and intimate messages came from his friend Mayank Bhatter, who revealed that he spent a lot of time with Dane as his condition progressed.
Bhatter, a producer and casting director known for his work on shows such as “Kidnap” and “The Boy Next Door,” shared an Instagram Carousel full of photos featuring his memories with Dane. He included both older and more recent snaps, as well as a loving message to the TV icon.
Mayank Bhatter Reflects On Friendship With Eric Dane
GettyBhatter began his tribute to Dane by thanking him for being present during the death of his father. “You took me out, you kept me company, you listened to me. You gave me strength, you gave me understanding, you gave me hope. You made me feel like I wasn’t alone,” he wrote.
The 38-year-old then mentioned the things he and Dane had in common: “the same insecurities, the same mindset, the same passion for fashion.”
Bhatter then described what it was like meeting the “Euphoria” star for the first time. He recalled, “I remember being starstruck when I first met you. But you were so chill & normal. No ego, just a real dude. You were a bright light that everyone could feel. You not only lit up the screen, but lit up anyone who was in your orbit.”
He said during their friendship, Dane always made him feel included and taught him “how to be vulnerable.”
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After reflecting on Dane’s kindness during their friendship, Bhatter opened up about what he witnessed as Dane dealt with his ALS diagnosis.
He called ALS a “brutal, unforgiving, and hopeless disease,” before saying Dane never lost his “light, spirit, and humor.”
Bhatter went on, “You took it with grace & dignity. When your words weren’t there, you said so much with your eyes. A look could make me laugh or cry. Or help you to sneak a puff of your vape when no one was looking.”
After expressing his gratitude for the time he got to spend with Dane at the end, Bhatter sent love to Dane’s children Billie and Georgia, and their mother, Rebecca Gayheart. “Eric was magic & that magic now lives on in you,” he told the teenagers.
