Eric Dane had quietly completed scenes for the upcoming third season of Euphoria before his tragic death at 53 on Thursday.
The beloved actor revealed in April 2025 that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but just days later confirmed he still planned to return to the hit HBO drama.
True to his word, Dane was back on set portraying troubled patriarch Cal Jacobs, father of Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi), in the Emmy-winning series led by Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, according to People,
He ultimately completed his scenes for season three, set to premiere on April 12, though his character was noticeably missing from the trailer released in January.
In the wake of his passing, Euphoria creator Sam Levinson paid tribute, saying he is 'heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric,' adding in a statement: 'Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric's family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.'
HBO also honored the late actor, sharing: 'We are deeply saddened by the news of Eric Dane's passing. He was incredibly talented and HBO was fortunate to have worked with him on three seasons of Euphoria. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.'
Eric Dane had quietly completed scenes for the upcoming third season of Euphoria before his tragic death at 53 on Thursday; (pictured Season 2)
The beloved actor revealed in April 2025 that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but just days later confirmed he still planned to return to the hit HBO drama; (Sydney Sweeney in Season 3)
Dane was back on set portraying troubled patriarch Cal Jacobs, father of Nate Jacobs ( Jacob Elordi ), in the Emmy-winning series led by Zendaya; (Zendaya pictured Season 3)
After the season two finale aired in February 2022, Dane revealed to Variety that his character was poised for a 'redemption' arc.
'I mean, that's the trajectory he's on, I can't imagine Cal's life in solitary confinement. It's tough to work Cal into the storyline when he's behind bars.'
Most of Euphoria’s third season is still a mystery, with the new trailer offering the first real look at the drama ahead.
Original cast members, including Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow and Colman Domingo, are all set to reprise their roles.
The season picks up five years after the explosive season two finale.
In addition to season three of Euphoria, Dane will appear posthumously in the upcoming thriller Family Secrets, where he plays a wealthy patriarch.
News of his casting first broke at the end of 2023, when Deadline reported that he had joined the film as part of a buzzy young ensemble.
Production was already underway at the time, with Dane starring alongside Maia Mitchell, Thomas Doherty, Tyriq Withers and Hannah Dodd.
Euphoria creator Sam Levinson said he is 'heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric,'; (Sam Levinson, Zendaya, Dane, Hunter Schafer, and Barbie Ferreira in 2019)
After the season two finale aired in February 2022, Dane revealed to Variety that his character was poised for a 'redemption' arc;l (seen in Season 2)
Withers plays a 'charming young man' who infiltrates a lavish destination wedding, where Dane’s character’s daughter - portrayed by Mitchell - is preparing to marry Doherty’s character.
But his real motive is revenge, as he sets out to destroy the family by seducing the bride and manipulating her unsuspecting groom.
No footage from the film has been released yet.
The actor also took a guest role in Brilliant Minds, portraying Matthew - a 9/11 hero and firefighter grappling with how to break the news of his ALS diagnosis to his wife.
It aired in November.
Dane also leaves behind a deeply personal memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, set to be published later this year.
Announced in late 2025, the book - his final project - traces the highs and lows of his life, from career milestones on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria to intimate moments with his daughters and his journey following an ALS diagnosis.
The actor is survived by his two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, and his wife Rebecca Gayheart, 54.
The actor also took a guest role in Brilliant Minds, portraying Matthew - a 9/11 hero and firefighter grappling with how to break the news of his ALS diagnosis to his wife; (pictured with Zachary Quinto)
In 2018 years, Gayheart filed for divorce after 14 years together.
When Dane received his ALS diagnosis, Gayheart reportedly halted the divorce process and recommitted to being by his side.
‘We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great co-parents,’ she told E! on the eve of his announcement.
‘We really figured out the formula to staying a family... I think our kids are benefiting greatly from it and we are as well.’
Dane said in a statement he hoped the memoir would capture 'the beautiful days, the hard ones, the ones I never took for granted.'
