The long-awaited third season of Euphoria debuted with a poignant tribute to three members of its cast and crew who died during the show's hiatus. The first episode, titled 'Ándale', featured an in memoriam card at the start honouring Eric Dane, who played Cal Jacobs, and Angus Cloud, who portrayed fan-favourite Fezco. A similar tribute was placed at the end of the episode for Dane, Cloud, and producer Kevin Turen.
Angus Cloud died in July 2023 at age 25 from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs. His co-star Zendaya remembered him as someone who 'could light up any room'. Creator Sam Levinson revealed that Fezco, Cloud's character, is now serving a 30-year prison sentence in the storyline, with scenes of other characters speaking to him on the phone. Levinson said he wanted to 'keep him alive' within the show and that Cloud 'would be cracking up at his storyline'.
Eric Dane passed away earlier this year after being diagnosed with ALS. His representatives stated that he became a passionate advocate for awareness and research. Kevin Turen, an executive producer on Euphoria and The Idol, died in 2023 from acute cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophic heart disease. HBO described him as a 'talented producer and collaborator'.
Levinson addressed the four-year gap between seasons, citing the strikes and scheduling challenges, but emphasised that the real time was spent figuring out how to honour those lost. He reflected on Cloud's death, noting that 73,000 Americans died from fentanyl overdoses in 2023, and said death 'gives life meaning'.
