On February 19, 2026, fans around the world mourned the loss of actor Eric Dane after his fight with ALS. The 53-year-old was well-known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on the long-running medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy.” However, he’d become popular with young audiences for his role as Cal Jacobs on “Euphoria.”
With the premiere of “Euphoria” season 3, fans are watching the late actor onscreen in one of his final roles.
Eric Dane Bravely Rejoined the ‘Euphoria’ Cast for Season 3
“Euphoria” season 3 returned to HBO on April 12, 2026, after a four-year absence. While fans were excited to see Rue, Cassie, and the rest of the gang back on their screens, it was a bittersweet moment. Viewers knew this would be the last season to feature Eric Dane as Cal Jacobs after his passing this year.
During the April 19 episode, fans saw Cal Jacobs for the first time this season. In the episode, “America My Dream,” Rue reveals Cal suffered tremendously over the last five years.
“He went from being the town’s top real-estate developer to a broke sexual deviant who narrowly avoided prison,” Rue shared in the narration.
During one scene, several empty beer bottles litter the area, alluding to Cal Jacobs’ intense drinking. However, this was a necessary addition to Cal’s season 3 storyline. Eric Dane knew how quickly his ALS was progressing and went to the show’s creator during production.
‘Euphoria’ Creator Sam Levinson Went Above & Beyond To Adapt the Story to Fit the Actor’s Diagnosis
As Eric Dane’s ALS progressed, he slowly began losing the ability to lose his limbs and speak clearly.
Show creator Sam Levison spoke with Extra about losing the beloved actor and how they adjusted his storyline to suit his health.
“We had a lot of conversations about just life and what that meant. I loved him very deeply, and I said, ‘Eric, whatever shape you show up in, we’re gonna make it work. I have faith that it’s all gonna work,'” the “Euphoria” creator remembered.
“He showed up and I could tell he had a slight slur in his voice, and he told me that. I said, ‘Don’t worry. We’ll just put, like, five beer bottles in front of you and you’ve been drinking all night.’ He was like, ‘Perfect, perfect.’ And his character, it was such a gift,” Levinson continued.
New episodes of “Euphoria” season 3 premiere on HBO each Sunday night at 9 p.m.
