Eric Dane Filmed for Upcoming Euphoria Season Before Death

The actor, who died at 53 after an ALS diagnosis, had completed work on the third season of the hit HBO series.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 10:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Eric Dane, known for his role as Cal Jacobs on the HBO series Euphoria, died on February 19, 2026 at the age of 53. Dane had announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 but confirmed he would return to film the third season of Euphoria. His representative has now confirmed that Dane did complete filming on episodes for the upcoming season before his passing.

Why it matters

Dane's death at a relatively young age due to the devastating effects of ALS has saddened fans of both the actor and the show. His commitment to continuing his work on Euphoria despite his diagnosis highlights his dedication to his craft and the importance of representation for those living with terminal illnesses.

The details

After announcing his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, Dane told PEOPLE that he was looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria to film the show's third season, which was set to begin production on April 14, 2025. Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and HBO have both issued statements mourning the loss of the talented actor.

  • Dane announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025.
  • Dane was set to begin filming Euphoria season 3 on April 14, 2025.
  • Dane died on February 19, 2026 at the age of 53.

The players

Eric Dane

The actor who played Cal Jacobs on the HBO series Euphoria and died at the age of 53 after being diagnosed with ALS.

Sam Levinson

The creator of the HBO series Euphoria.

Nate Jacobs

The character played by Jacob Elordi, who is the son of Eric Dane's character Cal Jacobs on Euphoria.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Euphoria season 3, which will feature Eric Dane's final appearances as Cal Jacobs, is set to premiere on HBO on April 12.

The takeaway

Eric Dane's commitment to continuing his work on Euphoria despite his ALS diagnosis is a testament to his dedication as an actor and his desire to bring important stories to the screen, even in the face of a terminal illness. His passing is a profound loss for the entertainment industry and his fans.