LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The entertainment world is mourning the unexpected demise of Kevin Turen, the esteemed producer behind the critically acclaimed series 'Euphoria' and 'The Idol'.
Turen, who was 44, left a lasting impact on the industry, with his passing shrouded in mystery, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
Kevin Turen's journey in Hollywood marked by collaborations with industry heavyweights
Turen's journey in the entertainment industry was marked by collaborations with industry heavyweights Sam and Ashley Levinson. Together, they co-founded Little Lamb Productions, the powerhouse responsible for HBO's groundbreaking drama 'Euphoria'.
The series, which garnered 25 Emmy nominations and nine wins, stands testament to Turen's creative prowess.
In addition to 'Euphoria', Turen and the Levinsons produced 'The Idol', an HBO miniseries in collaboration with The Weeknd.
Despite its social media buzz, 'The Idol' faced challenges, with production rumors and unfavorable reviews upon its debut.
Turen's influence extended to the big screen, with notable productions like 'Pieces of a Woman' (2020), starring Vanessa Kirby, earning an Academy Award nomination. His collaboration with filmmaker Ti West resulted in the critically acclaimed 'X' trilogy, with 'MaXXXine' on the horizon.
Kevin Turen's collaboration with Levinsons marked his foray into television
Born in 1979 in New York City, Turen's journey began at Columbia University, where he graduated with a degree in English and Critical Film Studies.
His rise in the industry saw him work at Capital Entertainment, later becoming the president of production at First Look Studios, where he played a pivotal role in acquiring and distributing over 100 films.
Turen's career trajectory included stints at Infinity Media and Treehouse Pictures, where he produced notable films like 'Arbitrage' (2012) and 'All is Lost' (2013).
In 2014, he joined Phantom Four, producing projects like 'Tau' (2018) and 'Assassination Nation' (2018).
In 2018, the collaboration with the Levinsons culminated in the founding of Little Lamb Productions, marking their successful foray into television with 'Euphoria'.
The series, lauded for its realistic portrayal of teen life, is set to return for a third season, with Turen as executive producer.
Entertainment industry mourns loss of Kevin Turen
Amidst Turen's myriad accomplishments, the industry mourns the loss of a creative genius.
Jay Penske, CEO of PMC and Turen's close friend, expressed, "He was so proud of his children. 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."
Turen's father Edward Turen shared a poignant sentiment, stating, "[Kevin] was so incredibly special, this world is going to be less without him."
As news of Turen's passing circulated, tributes poured in from colleagues and friends.
Cassian Elwes, Turen's co-worker, emphasized the interconnectedness of Hollywood on X and wrote, "We lost a very important person in our circle tonight."
Makeup artist Kirsten Sage Coleman, who worked on 'Euphoria' and 'The Idol', expressed her sadness on Instagram, sending love to those in need.
Lynette Taylor, a film and TV producer, shared on social media, "Utterly tragic. Such a horrific loss."
Survived by his wife, Evelina, and their children, Turen's legacy lives on through the indelible mark he left on the entertainment landscape.
