Eric Dane called ‘Euphoria’ his most ‘profound’ work amid ALS battle
Eric Dane believed that “Euphoria” was “the most profound experience” of his career.
Dane appeared in the documentary special, “Euphoria: A Look Back,” in interview footage recorded before his death.
“It was at times challenging, but the challenges were taken as opportunities,” Dane reflected. “It’s been such a wonderful experience.”
Series creator Sam Levinson remembered Dane as “a wonderful human being” and “a wonderful actor.”
“He showed up every day with grace and dignity,” Levinson said in the special.
Dane also reflected on the other “Euphoria” cast member who passed away, Angus Cloud, who died from an accidental fentanyl overdose on July 31, 2023, at the age of 25.
He called Cloud a “very talented young man” who “was tough on all of us.”
Dane died at 53 in February, following an ALS battle. Before his death, the “Grey’s Anatomy” star completed filming for his role in “Euphoria” Season 3, which aired from April through May.
The Season 3 premiere also included a photo of Dane onscreen with the message, “In remembrance of Eric Dane. 1972-2026.”
In all three seasons of the HBO drama, which aired from 2019 to 2026, Dane played Cal Jacobs. He had a volatile relationship with his son, Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi).
The show ultimately ended with Nate getting killed by mobsters he was indebted to.
Cal and the rest of his family were unaware of Nate’s fate.
Elordi, who also appeared in the special, recalled his face turning “red” during his audition because he was, “so nervous” — but Levinson “liked that.”
“He was so good and committed,” the creator recalled.
“Euphoria: A Look Back” featured interviews with the cast and crew, and scenes from all three seasons. It didn’t address the various behind the scenes cast feud rumors, or Season 3 getting critically slammed. Zendaya also only appeared in old interview footage.
The show started as a dark high school drama, following the teen drug addict Rue (Zendaya) and her classmates: insecure Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), angry jock Nate (Elordi), Maddy (Alexa Demie), Jules (Hunter Schafer), affable drug dealer Fez (Cloud), and others.
“Euphoria” was a wild starmaker – Zendaya, Elordi, and Sweeney are global celebrities, but they didn’t have their current A-list status at the time that the show premiered.
By Season 2, which aired in 2022, “Euphoria” was HBO’s most watched show after “Game of Thrones,” with nearly 20 million viewers tuning in.
Apatow said, “we’re connected in a very deep way and have been through a lot together. I’m so happy for everyone’s success.”
Levinson reflected that it’s “amazing” to see “filmmakers and directors who I idolize” talk about how great actors like Elordi, Sweeney, and Zendaya are.
His wife, Ashley Levinson, who produces the show, said, “we support” and “root for” each other.
“Euphoria: A Look Back” is now streaming on HBO Max.
