Euphoria‘s season three premiere has paid tribute to late stars Angus Cloud and Eric Dane, as well as executive producer Kevin Turen.
The long-awaited new season of the HBO show premiered last night (April 12), concluding with an In Memoriam screen showing each name separately.
Cloud, who played Fezco in the first two seasons, passed away in 2023 aged 25, his cause of death later ruled an accidental drug overdose.
His family said in a statement following his passing that Cloud “was special to all of us in so many ways” and “intensely struggled” with the death of his father a few weeks before.
“The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend,” the said. “Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence.”
Fezco is confirmed to be alive in season three of Euphoria, Levinson telling The Hollywood Reporter about his decision: “I couldn’t keep him alive in real life but I could keep his character alive in the show. I kept him alive and the character has got a great arc. I think he’d be very proud of it.”
Cal Jacobs actor Eric Dane died earlier this year aged 53, less than a year after he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world,” Dane’s family said in a statement following his passing.
“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”
Turen, who was known for his collaborations with Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, passed away in 2023 aged 44, a medical examiner’s report confirming he died from acute cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophic heart disease, as well as coronary artery disease (via Deadline).
“Kevin was so incredibly special, this world is going to be less without him,” his father Edward said at the time.
In other Euphoria news, musician Labrinth has opened up about his departure from the show after his previous close association with the series, saying people “will comfortably lie in this industry and still call themselves honest people”, adding that he doesn’t “let people treat me like shit”.
Star Zendaya has also suggested in a recent interview that season three could be Euphoria‘s last, adding: “That closure is coming”.