The season 3 premiere of ‘Euphoria’ included a title card honoring the tragic death of Eric Dane.
Before the episode premiered on Sunday, a photo of Dane appeared on screen with the message, “In memory of Eric Dane. 1972-2026.”
The show also included a ‘memorial’ tribute card to Dane, his late co-star Angus Cloud and late producer Kevin Turen.
Cloud, who played Fez, tragically overdosed in 2023 at the age of 25, and Turen died in November 2023 at the age of 44 from a cardiac emergency while driving.
Dane returned to his role as Cal Jacobs, father of Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi), on the hit HBO series before his death on February 19 at the age of 53.
He filmed scenes for season three while battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The late actor did not appear at Sunday’s premiere.
In a recent interview with “Extra,” creator Sam Levinson explained that he and Dane had an in-depth discussion about the actor’s ALS diagnosis before filming Season 3.
“I loved him so deeply, and I said, ‘Eric, no matter what form you show up, we’re going to make it work. I believe everything is going to be okay,'” Levinson recalled.
When Dane showed up on set, Levinson noticed that the “Grey’s Anatomy” alum had “a slightly slurred voice.”
“I said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll just put five beer bottles in front of you and you’ll be drinking all night,'” Levinson said. “He was like, ‘Perfect, perfect.’ And his personality, that was such a gift.”
In the Season 3 trailer, Dane’s character reunites with Jules (Hunter Schaefer), whom he dated in Season 1.
“Do you remember me?” Jules asks Cal, and Cal replies, “How can I forget?”
Last June, Dane told Access Hollywood that he was “delighted to be back” on set after a four-year hiatus between seasons.
“We’re in production right now and I can definitely say we’re filming a really great TV show,” he said.
Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. He was seen using a wheelchair at the end of his life.
“Euphoria” airs Sundays at 9pm ET on HBO.
