Before Eric Dane sadly passed away on Thursday, February 19, at the age of 53, he was known for many popular roles. However, you might not have known about a relatively minor part that came early in his career.
Indeed, “[w]hile his roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria defined his later years, Dane’s journey in Hollywood began exactly 15 years before he scrubbed into Seattle Grace Hospital,” according to Parade. Back in 1991, Dane was 19 years old and just starting out in the business. That’s when he made his “professional television debut” on “Saved by the Bell.”
You May Have Seen Eric Dane Playing Volleyball on ‘Saved by the Bell’
Check out the Season 3 episode of “Saved by the Bell” titled “The Game,” and you’ll spot a young Dane. “Long before he was an established leading man, Dane appeared as Tad Pogue, a character caught in the middle of a high-stakes bet involving Zack Morris and the Bayside gang,” per Parade.
“In the episode, Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) bets a rival from another school that he can beat him in a game of volleyball at the Malibu Sands Beach Club,” Parade notes. Dane’s character, Tad, is “the rival’s friend and teammate,” and can be seen “sporting the era’s signature neon athletic gear and a shock of blonde hair.”
Parade also points out that “[w]hile the role was brief, it marked the official start of a career that would eventually span prestige dramas and blockbuster films.”
Fans Were Surprised that Eric Dane Was on ‘Saved by the Bell’
When the “Saved by the Bell: NOW!” Instagram account shared a clip of Dane on “Saved by the Bell,” they added a caption, writing, “Before becoming a household name, Eric got one of his very first roles at Bayside … He even joked years later about his dramatic volleyball fall and learning the hard way that only the director gets to yell ‘Cut!’ From Malibu Sands to an unforgettable career, his talent and presence will never be forgotten. Sending love to his family and fans. Rest peacefully, Eric. 💔📺”
In response, fans were quick to fill the comments with surprised and adoring messages.
One person wrote, “He was a baby there 😮 so sad to see him go 😢”
“Omg I remember this episode never knew it was ED aww 😢🙏,” another person added.
A third fan left a message, saying, “Didn’t know that was him. You just never know who people will turn out to be.”
“Omg! I had no idea!! Watch this a 1000 times,” came from another social media user.
Yet another person wrote, “WHAT! Dang, I won’t watch this episode the same now 💔”
