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. 9, 2026 at 1:00am

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up photograph of shattered, glittering glass reflecting a warm, soft light, conveying the fragility and emotional weight of the entertainment industry.The season 3 premiere of Euphoria pays tribute to the show's late cast and crew, honoring their memory through the bittersweet emotions of the entertainment world.Los Angeles Today

At the season 3 premiere of the HBO hit show Euphoria, creator Sam Levinson addressed the audience and paid tribute to several key members of the cast and crew who had passed away in the years since season 2 aired. Levinson spoke about the challenges of honoring the memory of actors Angus Cloud and Eric Dane, as well as producer Kevin Turen, who all died unexpectedly in the intervening years.

Why it matters

Euphoria has become one of HBO's most popular and acclaimed shows, with its gritty portrayal of teenage life resonating with viewers. The deaths of several key creative contributors have deeply impacted the show's production and the creative vision of Levinson, who has worked to find a way to honor their memory in the new season.

The details

Levinson revealed that the four-year gap between seasons 2 and 3 was partly due to the need to figure out how to pay respect to those who were lost. Cloud, who played the character of 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. And Dane, who portrayed the character of Cal Jacobs, passed away earlier this year following a battle with ALS. Despite the losses, Levinson was determined to honor their memories in the new season of Euphoria.

  • In July 2023, Angus Cloud died at age 25 from an accidental drug overdose.
  • Four months after Cloud's death, producer Kevin Turen died from multiple heart issues.
  • In February 2026, Eric Dane passed away 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, who dedicated the new season to several key members of the cast and crew who had passed away.

Angus Cloud

The actor who portrayed the character of Fezco in the first two seasons of Euphoria, and who died 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, four months after the death of Angus Cloud.

Eric Dane

The actor who played the role of Cal Jacobs in Euphoria, and who 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 several key Euphoria contributors have deeply impacted the show's production and creative vision, but creator Sam Levinson has worked to honor their memory in the new season, reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of reckoning with loss.