The third season premiere of Euphoria opened with heartfelt remembrances of two beloved cast members who died since the show's second season concluded in 2022. The HBO drama paid tribute to Eric Dane and Angus Cloud during Sunday's episode, acknowledging the profound loss felt by the production and its audience.
At the opening of the episode, viewers were presented with a title card featuring Dane's photograph accompanied by the text, "In remembrance of Eric Dane." The gesture set a somber tone for the season premiere, honoring the actor who portrayed a pivotal character in the series' complex narrative.
The show also honored Angus Cloud, who portrayed Fezco, and executive producer Kevin Turen at the conclusion of the episode. Both Cloud and Turen died unexpectedly in 2023, leaving the entertainment community in mourning.
Dane passed away in February following a battle with ALS, a devastating disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and currently has no cure. His family released a statement at the time, sharing that he "spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world."
Cloud died at his family's home in Oakland in July 2023. His family revealed that he had recently buried his father and "intensely struggled with this loss." In a video posted by Deadline, show creator Sam Levinson expressed his deep affection for the young actor, stating that he loved Angus deeply and fought hard to keep him clean.
Despite the tragic passings of both actors, their characters continue to exist within the series narrative. Dane, who played the father to Jacob Elordi's character Nate Jacobs, is expected to appear later in the season. Cloud's character, Fezco, remains alive within the show's storyline but is currently incarcerated, serving a 30-year sentence.
The decision to honor these individuals at the beginning and end of the premiere episode demonstrates the production's commitment to acknowledging the human cost behind the creative work. For fans of the series, the tributes provided a moment of reflection before diving into the new season's dramatic developments.
The third season arrives after a lengthy hiatus, with the previous season having aired in 2022. The show's return has been highly anticipated by its dedicated fanbase, though the circumstances surrounding the production have been marked by both creative challenges and personal tragedy.