'Euphoria' Creator Honors Late Stars and Producer at Season 3 Premiere

Sam Levinson pays tribute to Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, and Kevin Turen who passed away after season 2.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:00am

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and glittering sequins, capturing the glamour and tragedy of the entertainment industry.The season 3 premiere of 'Euphoria' pays tribute to the show's late stars and producers, whose lives were tragically cut short.Los Angeles Today

At the season 3 premiere of the hit HBO series 'Euphoria', creator Sam Levinson addressed the audience and paid tribute to the late actors Angus Cloud and Eric Dane, as well as producer Kevin Turen, who all passed away in the years after season 2 aired. Levinson spoke about the challenges of making the new season and honoring those they lost, including Cloud's accidental drug overdose and Dane's battle with ALS.

Why it matters

The deaths of key 'Euphoria' cast and crew members have deeply impacted the show and its production. Levinson's emotional remarks at the premiere highlight the human toll of the opioid epidemic and the difficulty of navigating the loss of beloved collaborators, while also celebrating their legacies through the new season.

The details

Levinson said the four-year gap between seasons 2 and 3 was partly due to 'obvious factors' like the writers and actors strikes, as well as the challenge of coordinating schedules with the 'very in-demand cast'. But the main reason was 'trying to figure out how to find a way to pay respect to those who we 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. And Dane, who portrayed Cal Jacobs, passed away this year following a battle with ALS. Despite the losses, Levinson said he was glad to be 'on the other side' and ready to debut the new season.

  • Angus Cloud, who starred as Fezco, died in July 2023 at age 25 from an accidental drug overdose.
  • Four months after Cloud's death, producer Kevin Turen died from multiple heart issues.
  • Eric Dane, who played Cal Jacobs, died in February 2026 following a battle with ALS.

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.

Eric Dane

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

Kevin Turen

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

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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, Creator and Showrunner, Euphoria

“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, Creator and Showrunner, Euphoria

“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, Creator and Showrunner, Euphoria

What’s next

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

The takeaway

The tragic deaths of key 'Euphoria' cast and crew members have deeply impacted the show, but creator Sam Levinson is honoring their legacies by dedicating the new season to their memory and reflecting on the fragility and preciousness of life.