The last months of Eric Dane were not characterized by withdrawal, but determination. The actor, who played Cal Jacobs on ‘Euphoria’, has since gone on to film the third season of the show despite publicly announcing his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in April 2025.
Dane passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the age of 53. However, those who have worked with him say that his strength, humor, and commitment never faltered.
Eric Dane Was Determined To Return For ‘Euphoria’ Season 3
In announcing his diagnosis last year, Dane made it clear he wasn’t ready to step away from the craft that defined much of his life. “I feel fortunate that I can continue working,” he stated. He expressed gratitude for being able to return to the set just days later. To Dane, work was not a job, but a purpose, and a light in an unbelievably dark chapter.
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Filming of season three of ‘Euphoria’ started in mid-April 2025, with Dane returning to play the immensely flawed Cal Jacobs. The actor had already hinted at a redemption arc after season two left Cal with the prospect of going to prison. He was creatively involved even after his diagnosis, thoughtfully considering where Cal’s journey might go next.
The creator of the show, Sam Levinson, honored him after him, not only as a talented actor but also as a close friend. The actor was also recognized by HBO for his work in the three seasons. Colleagues recall that Dane showed up ready to work, determined to stay sharp and focused. He once said that acting made his spirit light, even on the most difficult days.
“My Spirit Is Buoyant”: How Eric Dane Faced ALS
Besides ‘Euphoria’, Dane played a very personal role in ‘Brilliant Minds’, as a firefighter struggling with ALS. The blurring of fiction and reality was immense.
In a December panel, Dane confessed that it was hard to distance himself from the character since the emotions were so real. But he called the experience cathartic, something he was eventually thankful about.
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In candid interviews, Dane spoke openly about living with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He admitted the burden of the diagnosis but was even surprised by his strength. Instead of retreating, he decided to speak up, calling on more people to be aware and research more on a disease that has no cure.
To those who knew him, that can be his greatest legacy, not only the memorable performances, but the silent heroism that underlies them.
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