Euphoria Season 3 Addresses Loss of Angus Cloud and Eric Dane
Euphoria's highly anticipated third season has premiered on HBO, arriving nearly three years after the tragic death of star Angus Cloud and just months following the passing of Eric Dane. The show's creators have thoughtfully integrated tributes to both actors, ensuring their legacies endure within the series.
Angus Cloud's Character Fez Lives On
Angus Cloud, who portrayed the beloved drug dealer Fez, died in July 2023 at the age of 25 from an accidental overdose. Despite his untimely death, the character of Fez has not been written out of the show. In season three, which is set five years after the events of season two, it is revealed that Fez is serving a 30-year prison sentence. This follows his arrest at the end of season two after a shootout that resulted in the death of his younger brother Ashtray.
This development has deeply affected fans, particularly those invested in the budding romance between Fez and Lexi, played by Maude Apatow. Lexi appears to have distanced herself from Fez, with Rue encouraging her to reconnect, but Lexi citing busyness as a reason for her avoidance. Rue notes that Fez frequently expresses how much he misses Lexi, yet she remains unresponsive, unlike other characters who maintain contact.
Creator Sam Levinson explained to Variety that he aimed to keep Cloud's spirit alive through the show. "There are a lot of scenes where people are talking to him on the phone," Levinson said. "I thought that if I couldn't keep him alive in life then maybe within this show that I can control and keep him alive there." He added that the entire approach was to honor Cloud, believing the actor would have found humor in his character's storyline.
Eric Dane's Final Role and Tribute
Eric Dane, who played Cal Jacobs, died in February 2026 at the age of 53 from respiratory failure amid his battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Dane had already completed filming his scenes for Euphoria, allowing his character to remain in the series. The show paid tribute to Dane, along with Cloud and producer Kevin Turen, who died in 2022, during the first episode of season three. Dane's tribute appeared within the initial minutes of the episode.
Following Dane's death, Levinson released a statement expressing his grief. "I'm heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honour. Being his friend was a gift," he said. "Eric's family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing."
Fans were moved by the tribute to Dane, with many taking to social media to share their emotions. One user wrote, "The Eric Dane in memoriam in the first minute of the episode??? I am in tears." Another commented, "Euphoria has always been raw; this moment is no different." A third noted, "Dane’s final role landing in the most talked about season of Euphoria is a bittersweet way to say goodbye to a career. Every scene he’s in this season is going to carry extra weight knowing it’s the last time."
The third season of Euphoria continues to explore complex themes while respectfully acknowledging the real-life losses of its cast members, blending narrative depth with heartfelt remembrance.
