Eric Dane Battling ALS Revives Nepotism Protege’s Career Following Failed Table Read

Eric Dane Mentors Ray Nicholson on Set of "Borderline"
(Images: Eric Dane and Ray Nicholson; Jack Nicholson in "The Shining"; "Borderline" movie still)

Eric Dane, known for Euphoria, recently proved his mentorship skills by supporting Ray Nicholson—son of Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson—during a rocky start on the dark comedy Borderline. Ray, 33, revealed in a Us Weekly interview how Dane, 52, stepped in after a disastrous table read, saving him from potential dismissal.

A Rocky Start
Ray admitted to "tanking" his initial table read for Borderline, where he plays Paul, an escaped mental patient stalking a pop star (Samara Weaving). Overcome by nerves, he feared director Jimmy Warden and Weaving would fire him. "I had the saboteur in me," Ray confessed, referencing his struggle with imposter syndrome despite his famous lineage (his mother is actress Rebecca Broussard).

(Image: Ray Nicholson at a 2023 event)

Dane’s Lifeline
Dane, who plays a security guard in the film, noticed Ray’s anxiety and invited him to lunch. "He was so kind and supportive," Ray recalled. During their meeting, Dane disarmed him by admitting, "I’m nervous to work with you!" This moment of vulnerability helped Ray regain confidence. "He became someone I could lean on," said Ray, praising Dane as an "empowering scene partner."

(Image: Eric Dane and Ray Nicholson on set)

Conquering Self-Doubt
Ray reflected on his career choice, acknowledging the pressure of being a "nepo baby." While he initially questioned his path, he found growth through challenges: "Every role requires something I didn’t know I had." Working on Borderline forced him to confront insecurities, ultimately deepening his understanding of his father. "It makes me love him more," he shared, though the two rarely discuss acting.

(Image: Jack Nicholson in a classic film still)

About "Borderline"
The thriller follows a pop star (Weaving) targeted by an obsessive fan (Ray). Dane’s character must protect her and her boyfriend during a home invasion. Released March 14, the film is now streaming.

(Image: "Borderline" movie poster)

Ray’s journey highlights the complexities of Hollywood legacies—and the power of a mentor’s kindness. As he put it: "Acting tests me the most… but it’s how I discover new parts of myself."