The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Eric Dane, the talented actor known for bringing complex characters to life on screen. Dane passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 53 after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, sharing that he spent his final days surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife and two daughters .
While many fans know Dane from his days as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, his recent work on the HBO drama Euphoria introduced him to a whole new generation of viewers. His portrayal of Cal Jacobs was far removed from the charming surgeon role that made him famous, showing his range as an actor willing to take on darker, more challenging material.
Who Was Cal Jacobs in ‘Euphoria’?
On Euphoria, Eric Dane played Cal Jacobs, the father of Jacob Elordi’s character, Nate Jacobs. Cal is introduced as a successful businessman, a family man, and a pillar of the community. But underneath that polished surface hides a world of secrets .
From the very first episode, viewers saw a different side of Cal. He secretly meets with young people through hookup apps, hiding his identity behind a facade. His encounter with Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer) in the pilot episode is one of the show’s most difficult scenes to watch. Cal meets Jules, who believes she is meeting an older man named “Derek,” and the encounter turns violent and disturbing. The scene also involves statutory r*pe, as Jules is only 17 years old at the time .
Dane was fully aware of how intense the material was. He spoke openly about filming those uncomfortable scenes, explaining that the show’s creator, Sam Levinson, created a safe environment for the cast. Dane even used a prosthetic for the full-frontal nudity scenes, a decision made together with the creative team to protect everyone involved .
“Those scenes are very difficult to shoot,” Dane told Entertainment Weekly back in 2019. “It helps to have one voice in your ear. One voice that you can express your feelings to, and somebody that is an advocate for the actors. It just simplifies a lot of things and makes for a safe and comfortable environment while shooting something that is fairly uncomfortable to shoot” .
As the series progressed, the show peeled back the layers of Cal’s life. Viewers learned about his long-hidden relationship with his best friend from high school, a secret he buried deep to fit into society’s expectations. This backstory made his character more than just a villain. It showed a man trapped by his own choices, taking out his frustrations in the worst possible ways. By the end of season two, Cal’s world falls apart when his secret videos are exposed, leading to his arrest .
A Character Arc That Ended With Redemption
After season two ended with Cal behind bars, Dane teased where his character was headed. He believed Cal was on a path toward making things right. In an interview with Variety following the season two finale, Dane shared his thoughts on what was next.
“There’s gonna be redemption,” he said. “I mean, that’s the trajectory he’s on. I can’t imagine Cal’s life from solitary confinement. It’s tough to work Cal into the storyline when he’s behind bars” .
Fans were eager to see how Cal would handle the consequences of his actions and whether he could truly find any peace. Dane’s commitment to the role went beyond just showing up on set. He once admitted that Euphoria changed how he saw himself as a performer.
“I never considered myself an artist until I started making ‘Euphoria’,” he said in an interview from June 2025 . That statement shows how much the role meant to him personally and professionally.
Returning to Set After His ALS Diagnosis
In April 2025, Dane publicly shared that he had been diagnosed with ALS. Just four days later, he was back on the set of Euphoria to begin filming season three. His determination to keep working was clear in his words at the time.
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week,” he told PEOPLE after announcing his diagnosis .
Dane’s representative later confirmed that he had completed filming his scenes for the upcoming third season before his passing . Production on the final season began in April 2025 and wrapped up in November of the same year .
Despite the physical challenges of living with ALS, Dane remained positive about his work. In an interview with E! News in June 2025, he shared how acting helped him cope.
“It keeps me sharp. It keeps me moving forward,” he said. “I feel great when I’m at work. Of course, there have been some sort of setbacks, but I feel pretty good. My spirit is always pretty buoyant, so at the end of the day, that’s all that matters” .
His dedication to the craft and to the character of Cal Jacobs meant everything to the show’s team. Sam Levinson, the creator of Euphoria, paid tribute to Dane following the news of his death.
“I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric,” Levinson said 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 released a statement, saying, “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” .
What Fans Can Expect in ‘Euphoria’ Season 3
**Euphoria season 3 is scheduled to premiere on **Sunday, April 12, 2026, on HBO . The show will air in multiple regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India, through HBO’s streaming platforms and local broadcast partners.
Since Dane completed filming his scenes before his passing, audiences will still get to see his final performance as Cal Jacobs. While the exact size of his role in the new season has not been revealed, his presence in the show will serve as a lasting tribute to his work .
The third season is expected to be the final chapter of the series. With Dane’s character arc pointing toward redemption, fans will finally see how Cal’s story ends. It will also be an emotional experience for viewers who followed his journey from the very first episode.
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Remembering Eric Dane
Beyond Euphoria, Eric Dane leaves behind a body of work that spans decades. From his breakout role on Grey’s Anatomy to leading the action-drama The Last Ship, he proved time and again that he could handle any genre. His recent work in films like Bad Boys: Ride or Die and the series Countdown showed he was still at the top of his game .
His family’s statement highlighted not just his career but the person he was off-screen. “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received” .
Co-stars and friends from across Hollywood shared their memories. Selma Blair posted a throwback clip on her Instagram Story with the simple but powerful words, “I love you. And yours” . Nina Dobrev wrote about his kindness on set, noting how he made everyone feel seen. Ashton Kutcher tweeted about missing him in their fantasy football league, adding, “We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy” .
Dane’s death also marks the second major loss for the Euphoria family. In 2023, actor Angus Cloud, who played the beloved character Fezco, passed away at the age of 25 from an accidental overdose . The show has now lost two key members of its cast, making the upcoming final season a bittersweet moment for fans.
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