Eric Dane had completed filming for the third season of Euphoria months before his death; it has now been confirmed. The actor passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53, following what his family described as a rapid 10-month struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
According to reports, Dane returned to the set in April 2025, the same month he publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis. Despite the life-altering news, he had expressed a desire to continue working, a commitment he upheld by finishing his portions for the upcoming season before production wrapped later that year. People magazine first reported that he had completed his episodes.
In the series, Dane portrayed Cal Jacobs, the complex and deeply flawed father of Nate Jacobs, played by Jacob Elordi. Cal’s storyline became one of the most discussed elements of the show, exploring his hidden life marked by secret motel encounters with young men and trans women, alongside a battle with alcoholism that often erupted into violent confrontations.
Ahead of the new season, Dane had teased what lay in store for his character. In an earlier interview with Variety, he hinted that audiences would see “a moment of truth and some sort of redemption” for Cal, fuelling speculation about how his arc would evolve.
Season 3 of Euphoria is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on April 12, making it Dane’s final on-screen performance in the acclaimed drama.
Following his passing, tributes have continued to pour in from across the entertainment industry. His family shared that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones and had become a vocal advocate for ALS awareness and research after his diagnosis.
