Eric Dane, known for his compelling role as Cal Jacobs on HBO's hit series "Euphoria," opened up about an emotional wedding sequence he filmed for the show's upcoming season. In what would be his final interview, conducted with the nonprofit I AM ALS, Dane shared insights into how his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) influenced his performance.
The trailer for the new season teased fans with scenes from the wedding of Cassie Howard (played by Sydney Sweeney) and Nate Jacobs (portrayed by Jacob Elordi), where Dane's character, Cal, attends the reception. Tragically, Eric Dane passed away on Thursday, following a courageous fight with ALS – a degenerative disease that progressively weakens muscles and affects physical function.
In the interview, Dane humorously recounted the challenges he faced during the shoot. "I’m talking ‘Euphoria,’ a wedding sequence. I had to shoot the reception, and it’s written that I’m wasted, sloshed-drunk, for this entire reception, and I was like, ‘People are going to think I’m brilliant,'” he said with a smile. "Because I already sound like I’m drunk. I don’t need to act!"
This candid confession gives fans a heartwarming glimpse into his dedication and humor, even in the face of a terminal illness. Eric's reflections continued as he discussed his portrayal of Cal Jacobs, a character leading a complex double life, which added layers to the already dramatic storyline.
The 53-year-old actor's final thoughts were shared in Netflix's "Famous Last Words" series, where he sat down with Brad Falchuk. Praised for his work in "Euphoria," Dane expressed the effort he poured into his character. "I put a lot of effort into that," he remarked.
Falchuk, intrigued by Dane's connection to his role, asked about personal ties to the character. As a married father and real estate agent living a secretive life, Cal Jacobs offered a fascinating yet challenging part for Dane to embody.
Eric Dane's contributions to television have left an indelible mark, and his work on "Euphoria" will no doubt be remembered by fans and fellow actors alike. His ability to infuse authenticity and depth into his roles remains a testament to his talent, even as he courageously faced his own life challenges.