6 big-screen roles that prove Eric Dane’s range beyond TV

Feb 22
2 min read

On February 19, the death of actor Eric Dane, 53, was announced after more than a year-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Hollywood colleagues and fans expressed their sadness over the loss of the actor, who rose to fame for his performances in series such as Charmed, Grey’s Anatomy, and Euphoria.

But the american actor’s career goes far beyond playing a mortal businessman in a world of witches, a respected plastic surgeon, and a closeted bisexual real-estate dad.

Here are some of his appearances in well-known commercial films.

**© Bob D'Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty**

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

We’re starting with a classic appearance! In the final film of the original trilogy, Dane plays the mutant Multiple Man in two scenes. With the ability to create instant duplicates of himself, he is rescued by Magneto, alongside Juggernaut, to deceive the army and the X-Men.

Marley & Me (2008)

In the comedy-drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, Dane plays Sebastian Tunney, a friend of the main character. The journalist is later hired by The New York Times, which adds a touch of envy to the couple’s story.

Valentine's Day (2010)

In the rom-com, he plays Sean Jackson, a closeted gay professional football player. In the story, he is contemplating the end of his career with his publicist Kara Monahan and his agent Paula Thomas, portrayed by Jessica Biel and Queen Latifah, respectively.

Burlesque (2010)

In the musical starring Christina Aguilera, he plays businessman Marcus Gerber, who develops a romantic interest in the main character, Ali.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)

In the franchise reboot starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, he plays James McGrath, a former U.S. Army Ranger Staff Sergeant. The man turned to crime after being captured and tortured by the cartels. Some say it’s an underrated performance.

Borderline (2025)

He plays Bell, the bodyguard of pop star Sofia, portrayed by Samara Weaving. The security professional is stabbed, returns to work six months later despite his daughter’s concerns, and is the one who discovers that the antagonist, Paul, has escaped from prison. Then the film follows…