Eric Dane says “Euphoria” made him feel like an artist for the first time in his career

Eric Dane says working on “Euphoria” gave him the confidence to finally see himself as an artist, not just an actor.

In a candid new interview, actor Eric Dane opened up about his evolving identity as an actor, revealing that working on HBO’s Euphoria was the first time he truly felt like an artist.

Dane, who plays the complex character Cal Jacobs, credited showrunner Sam Levinson and the series’ extended production style with unlocking new creative depth.

“I never considered myself an artist until I started making Euphoria,” Dane said. “That’s when I gave myself the allowance to feel like I was an artist.”

Dane noted the stark contrast between Euphoria’s meticulous 20- to 30-day shoot schedules and the fast-paced 8-day episodes typical of network dramas like Grey’s Anatomy, where he rose to fame as “McSteamy.” That deeper, more spacious process, he said, allowed for more discovery, vulnerability, and character growth.

Though filming for Euphoria Season 3 has faced delays, Dane remains committed to the role and praised the professionalism of his younger castmates, including Jacob Elordi and Zendaya. “I have a pretty good radar for people who’ll turn into assholes,” he said jokingly, “and this cast stayed grounded.”

Dane briefly acknowledged his recent ALS diagnosis, stating he preferred to keep the focus on his work. He also stars in Amazon’s Countdown, debuting June 25, and says he’ll stay with Euphoria “until the wheels fall off.”

Both introspective and energized, Dane continues to navigate high-stakes TV while deepening his sense of artistic purpose.