Euphoria Creator Honors Late Cast and Crew at Season 3 Premiere

Sam Levinson pays tribute to Eric Dane, Angus Cloud, and producer Kevin Turen who died in recent years.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:05pm

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and glittering sequins, conveying the glamour and tragedy of the entertainment industry.The season 3 premiere of Euphoria honors the memory of key cast and crew members who passed away in recent years.Los Angeles Today

Euphoria creator Sam Levinson dedicated the show's third season to late cast members Eric Dane and Angus Cloud, as well as producer Kevin Turen, who passed away in the years following the release of season 2. Levinson addressed the audience at the season 3 premiere in Los Angeles, discussing the challenges of making the new episodes and honoring those they lost, including Cloud's death from an accidental overdose and Dane's battle with ALS.

Why it matters

The deaths of key Euphoria cast and crew members have deeply impacted the show's production and the creative vision of creator Sam Levinson. This season premiere serves as an emotional tribute to those who were integral to the success of the series, while also highlighting the broader opioid epidemic that has devastated communities across the United States.

The details

At the season 3 premiere, Levinson explained the four-year gap between seasons, citing factors like the writers and actors strikes, as well as the need to find a way to properly honor those they lost. Cloud, who played Fezco, died in 2023 at age 25 from an accidental drug overdose. Turen, a producer on the show, died four months later from heart issues. Dane, who portrayed Cal Jacobs, passed away earlier this year following a battle with ALS. Despite the challenges, Levinson was able to include Dane in the new season, giving fans a final glimpse of his performance.

  • In July 2023, Angus Cloud died from an accidental drug overdose at the age of 25.
  • Four months after Cloud's death, producer Kevin Turen passed away due to multiple heart issues.
  • In February 2026, Eric Dane died following a battle with ALS.
  • The season 3 premiere of Euphoria took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Sam Levinson

The creator and showrunner of the HBO series Euphoria.

Angus Cloud

An actor who starred as Fezco in the first two seasons of Euphoria before passing away in 2023 at the age of 25 from an accidental drug overdose.

Kevin Turen

A producer on Euphoria who died in 2023 from multiple heart issues.

Eric Dane

An actor who portrayed Cal Jacobs on Euphoria and passed away in 2026 following a battle with ALS.

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What they’re saying

“When Angus died, it was tough. I loved him deeply. And I fought hard to keep him clean.”

— Sam Levinson, Euphoria Creator

“I learned a whole lot that year, but what I realized more than anything is that death is what gives life meaning. You can't be arrogant about existence. You're forced to reckon with the fact that life itself is a wonder, a gift, a profound blessing.”

— Sam Levinson, Euphoria Creator

“I'd like to dedicate this season to those who we lost: Angus, Kevin and Eric. The Rebbe says, 'The only way to see great light is to pass through great darkness.' Well, it feels good to be on the other side.”

— Sam Levinson, Euphoria Creator

What’s next

Euphoria season 3, starring Zendaya, Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney, will debut on HBO and stream on HBO Max on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The takeaway

The tragic deaths of key Euphoria cast and crew members have deeply impacted the show's production, but creator Sam Levinson has found a way to honor their legacies and the profound impact they had on the series and its devoted fanbase.