Movies

How ALS-stricken Eric Dane saved nepo-baby’s acting career after he tanked table read

BBG News

In a notable instance, actor Eric Dane intervened to salvage the fledgling acting career of a Hollywood child progeny, who was on the verge of ruining his debut significant role.

This week, Ray Nicholson, son of Hollywood icon Jack Nicholson who is battling ALS, shared that his father has been offering assistance and showing support during this time.

Nicolson remembered the time he had a less-than-successful first reading for their dark comedy, Borderline. Later, Dane, who was 52 at the time, contacted him with the intention of helping him out.

Back then, as a passionate admirer on the brink of my acting career, I found myself in a state of apprehension when I feared that the movie’s charismatic lead, Samara Weaving, and the visionary director, Jimmy Warden, were considering letting me go.

Despite having acting talent seemingly passed down from his renowned father, Jack Nicholson, and his acclaimed mother, Rebecca Broussard, he admitted that he continues to grapple with feelings of impostor syndrome.

Following the report that the girlfriend of the Euphoria star was taken aback, as he made a public appearance with his latest love interest on the red carpet, amidst his ongoing struggle with ALS.

In an interview with Us Weekly, published on Friday, Nicholson expressed that he has a destructive tendency within him, as he contemplated the potential peril his acting career once faced.

He mentioned that, as far as he’s concerned, we each have our unique battles to face. This revelation came from him sharing his personal journey of doubting his career path. A significant aspect of this struggle, he added, involves understanding oneself and one’s identity.

Additionally, I had been working diligently on that project, but looking back, I realize that my expressions of being anxious might have unintentionally hinted at a subtle fear that I would fail or that I was not competent enough to succeed.

In the movie titled “Borderline,” Nicholson skillfully plays the role of Paul, a man who has escaped from a psychiatric facility and is pursuing a renowned pop artist (Weaving), with the intention of winning her hand in marriage.

In the beginning, I had a rather dismal performance during our initial table reading, as I later reminisced, said Nicholson. To boost my confidence and power through this table reading with a group of seasoned actors whom I admire, I resorted to doing jumping jacks in the restroom prior to the session.

He admitted, “I really messed up the table reading.” Then, as he looked at Samara watching her spouse, director Jimmy Warden, he seemed to be thinking, “Oh my goodness, this young actor is about to spoil your film.

Afterwards, he praised Dane, a fellow actor and cherished colleague, whom he referred to as his favorite to collaborate with. He mentioned that Dane had contacted him following their work together.

Afterward, Eric approached me and asked, “Fancy having lunch together?” To which I happily replied, “Absolutely yes!” His kindness, love, and support were evident.

He told Dane, the actor playing the character Bell, the security guard in the movie, and who was referred to as a supportive and generous scene partner by him, comforted him during times when he felt uncertain.

At our lunch meeting, I admitted to Dane that I was feeling particularly ‘apprehensive’ about collaborating with him on the film project.

I told him, ‘Listen, I must admit I’m quite anxious. You see, it’s not that I don’t respect your vast experience and expertise, but it makes me a bit apprehensive.’

As an ardent admirer putting words to my awe, let me share how Nicholson recounted his experience with Dane. “He confessed, ‘I’m actually jittery about working with you!’ That moment was simply endearing. It felt like he was just another fan I could rely on throughout our collaboration.

Nicholson added: ‘I really love him a great deal.’ 

Afterward, the youthful performer pondered over the reasons that led him to emulate his parents and pursue a career as an actor.

He shared that what he enjoys most about his job is that it challenges him the most. Following the table read, he discovered something new about himself.

I find that I can’t analyze myself, but each role or job seems to demand qualities or abilities from me that I wasn’t aware I possessed.

Additionally, Nicholson discussed the parallels he drew between himself and his Academy Award-winning father, as well as his personal quest to conquer his deepest anxieties and apprehensions prior to collaborating with Dane on the film “Borderline.

He also addressed his ‘nepo baby’ status. 

He expressed uncertainty, stating, “Am I feeling that pressure? I can’t quite tell. Is it a positive or negative thing? It seems to be both.

As I take each step along this path, my understanding of my father deepens, making him seem more relatable, almost like a regular person. I grasp him better, and in doing so, my affection for him grows, regardless of whether or not we openly discuss it.

Comedy-Thriller Movie “Borderline”

The movie revolves around a famous ’90s pop sensation, played by Weaving, as she experiences a chilling ordeal when an ardent admirer breaks into her residence. This fan, who holds an unhealthy obsession, believes they are destined to wed the star.

Following the escape of a romantically desperate psychopath from a psychiatric facility, a bodyguard (named Dane) finds himself tasked with safeguarding a popular singer and her sportsman partner, as the relentless pursuer grows more and more resolute in his attempts to gain access to them, in the city of Los Angeles.

The movie was released in March 14 and is available on streaming services now. 

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2025-06-21 02:19

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