The season 3 premiere of “Euphoria” paid tribute to three key members of the show who passed away after season 2. The new episode ends with the word “In Memoriam” written on a black screen, and the names of actors Eric Dane and Angus Cloud and executive producer Kevin Turen appear briefly.
Cloud was one of the breakout stars of “Euphoria” who was famously scouted on the streets of New York City when the series premiered in 2019. He played Fezco, a drug dealer with a difficult and dangerous life and a kind friend of Lou (Zendaya) and Lexi (Maud Apatow). Cloud passed away on July 31, 2023 from an accidental drug overdose. “There was never anyone like Angus,” series creator Sam Levinson said in a statement at the time. “He was too special, too talented, and too young to leave us so soon. Like many of us, he struggled with addiction and depression. I hope he knew how many hearts he touched. I loved him and always will. Rest in Peace, and God Bless His Family.”
In the season 3 premiere, Fezco is still alive off-screen.
Dane starred in Euphoria as Cal, the cruel and secretive father of Nate (Jacob Elordi), a closeted bisexual who has a sexual relationship with Jules (Hunter Shafer). Dane passed away on February 19 of this year after publicly announcing that he had been diagnosed with ALS in 2025. Production on Season 3 was completed before his death. “I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend Eric,” Levinson said in a statement. “It was an honor to work with him. It was a gift to be his friend. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be a blessing.”
Turen was a frequent collaborator of Levinson. The two co-founded Little Lamb Productions with Levinson’s wife Ashley Levinson in 2018, and Toolen produced Euphoria as well as Levinson’s HBO series Idol (2023) and his films Assassination Nation (2018) and Malcolm & Marie (2021). Mr. Toolen passed away on November 12, 2023, due to a cardiac emergency while driving.
Read Variety’s recap of the ‘Euphoria’ season 3 premiere.
