Remembering the Lost Stars of Euphoria

The third season of Sam Levinson’s hit drama began with a quiet tribute. An on‑screen card honored Eric Dane, the beloved actor who had just passed away in February, showing his photo and life dates. This gesture mirrored a similar one for late actor Angus Cloud that HBO Max had posted earlier. After the episode’s credits, the show paid respects to Dane, Cloud and producer Kevin Turen. Levinson explained that the gap between seasons two and three was partly due to industry strikes and scheduling challenges, but mainly because he wanted to find a respectful way to honor those who had died. He said the delay was “real time” spent figuring out how best to pay tribute.Cloud, who played Fezco in the first two seasons, died at 25 from acute intoxication. Turen followed a month later, aged 44. Dane had returned for the new season before his death; he suffered respiratory failure with ALS as a contributing factor. The show’s creator admitted he had to adjust scripts on the fly, even noting Dane’s slight speech slur and incorporating a scene that reflected his condition. In the new season, Rue (Zendaya) visits an old friend Lexi (Maude Apatow) in Los Angeles, where she works for a famous TV executive. Rue encourages Lexi to call Fez, who is now serving 30 years in prison but still misses her. The storyline hints at a possible romance that began last season, adding depth to the characters’ paths.