The news of Kevin Turen‘s death was quite sudden and unexpected. One of the founders of Little Lamb Productions, and a producer on HBO’s “Euphoria,” “The Idol,” and Ti West’s “X” trilogy,” Kevin died at the age of 44. As per multiple media reports, the exact cause of his death remains unknown, as no official statement has been released by his family at this time. His father Edward Turen expressed his grief on Sunday night saying, “Kevin was so incredibly special, this world is going to be less without him.” Kevin is survived by his wife, Evelina, and his two sons, Jack and James.
Jay Penske, CEO of Penske Media Corporation, and a close friend of the producer, said in a statement, “Despite his many achievements in Hollywood, Kevin’s greatest passion was his family and friends. He was so proud of his children. He and his wife, Evelina, were resolved that their children grow up with great values and ensured they make a difference in the broader world. Our collective heart breaks for them, and we all feel such a profound sense of loss. We will miss Kevin so much, and this town lost one of its brightest rising stars today.”
Also Read: Angus Cloud – Farewell to a Promising Talent
Know Kevin Turen
Kevin was born in New York City on August 16, 1979. He went on to earn a degree in English and Critical Film Studies at Columbia University before moving out to Los Angeles. Turen was a creative executive at First Look Studios, where he climbed the ladder to become president of production and significantly expanded the company. He acquired and distributed films like “The Proposition,” “The Dead Girl” and “An American Crime” while at First Look. Post that, Kevin went on to work at Infinity Media, Treehouse Pictures, and was then hired to be president of production at Phantom Four.
His Professional Milestones
Kevin Turen was closely associated with Sam Levinson and Ashley Levinson. Together, they co-founded Little Lamb Productions in 2018, which then went on to produce the acclaimed HBO drama series Euphoria, about a teen (Zendaya) struggling with drug addiction, known for its gritty plot and stylized aesthetics. It won Zendaya two Emmy awards. The acclaimed series also stars Hunter Schrafer, Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, Sydney Sweeney and Maude Apatow. A third season of the influential show is expected to begin production in December.
Turen also produced The Idol, another HBO series from the mind of Sam Levinson, about a pop star (Lily Rose-Depp) who develops a relationship with a cult leader (Abel Tesfaye). Turen additionally produced Levinson’s film “Assassination Nation” and the feature film “Pieces of a Woman” (2020), that starred Vanessa Kirby. She won an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the film. Kevin also had a close association with Ti West, and produced X (2022) and the prequel Pearl (2022), and the forthcoming sequel “MaXXXine” – all parts of the recent slasher X trilogy, that starred Mia Goth in the lead.
Other titles produced by Turen include the A24 drama “Waves,” the meta-comedy “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” starring Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal, “The Birth of a Nation,” “99 Homes” and the drama “All Is Lost” starring Robert Redford.
The Internet Mourns
People have been pouring love for the late producer’s work across the internet. One Instagram user commented, “Thank you Kevin Turen for all the joy and love and great creative entertainment you have brought to this world. You will be forever missed and never forgotten.” Another user wrote, “I’m devastated, and in shock, a genius when it comes to film and creativity he inspired me so much. Always smiling and kind 😢”
After Angus Cloud a.k.a. Fezco from Euphoria passed away at the end of July this year, Kevin’s passing away happens to be the second death related to the show. Angus died of acute intoxication following an accidental overdose. Ever since netizens have been calling the series cursed and asking for it to just get cancelled. We wish all the love and strength to Kevin Turner’s family and loved ones, rest easy.
