HBO’s Euphoria: Cast, Characters & Descriptions (with Spoilers)

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A character guide for HBO’s Euphoria featuring cast member’s names, character descriptions, and noteworthy information.

Please Note: This content contains pertinent spoilers, descriptions are updated as new information is presented, images changed as better ones are captured, and this is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, guest star, or reoccurring role.

General Information About HBO’s Euphoria

Network(s)	HBO
Created or Developed By	Sam Levinson
First Aired	6/16/2019

Notable Locations & Events

East Highland High School: This is the school the kids go to and their mascot is the Blackhawk.

Other Noteworthy Information

Gia and Rue are bi-racial with their dad being white and mom Black.
The show begins a week before school starts up.
How Much Time Has Passed (Special Episode “Part 2: Jules”): It has been 6 months since Jules moved to East Highland, California
Time Passed (2.1): Hardly any at all, it’s New Years Eve
- Time Passed (2.5): A month has passed since the season 2 premiere
This Is Life (2.3): Lexi’s original play
- Renamed (2.7): “Our Life” featuring Lexi as Grace, Hallie as Cassie, Marta as Maddy, Luna as Kat, and Jade as Rue.

Episode	Focuses on
Season 1
Episode 1	Rue
Episode 2	Nate
Episode 3	Kat
Episode 4	Jules
Episode 5	Maddy
Episode 6	McKay
Episode 7	Cassie
Season 2
Episode 1	Fez, Ashtray, and Grandma Mary
Episode 2	Nate
Episode 3	Cal
Episode 4	No One/ Everyone
Episode 5	Rue
Episode 6	Rue, Gia, Nate, Maddy, Cassie
Episode 7	Lexi
Episode 8	Lexi, Rue, Nate, Fez

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Rue (Zendaya)

Rue smiling on the first day of school. — Rue (Zendaya)

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “Pilot” [Series Premiere]

Born 9/14/2001, Rue’s life has been riddled with trauma. It’s so bad actually that there are gaps in her memory from blocking things out and she is upfront that, as a narrator, she isn’t the most reliable. However, from what she says, we are told she has suffered from panic attacks since she was 11 and was even given liquid Valium to calm her down. Between that and her father dying when she was 13 (14 per Season 2, Episode 2), that is what pushed her to be an addict. And even though she recently OD’d, and her sister found her nearly lifeless body on the floor, she still pursues that high which takes her away from the pain.

Additional Information About Rue

What’s The Diagnosis (1.1): Over her lifetime, Rue has been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, general anxiety, and was considered possibly bipolar.
- We’re told in episode 7 she formerly took medication for being manic-depressive but stopped. However, with her being sober, as of that episode, it makes the need for her former medication spike.
How’s Your Memory (1.1): She can’t remember much between the ages of 8 and 12.
The First Time (1.1): Rue started to take Oxycontin when she was 13 and it was actually her dad’s Oxycontin she got high off of.
In season 1, Rue is 17.
Lexi is one of Rue’s sources of information.
Rue is somewhere on the queer spectrum.
Rue’s first kiss was when she was 12 and since then she has given 4 handjobs, two blow jobs, and had sex with a boy once. She has also french kissed Lexi, but never been in love.
- Lost her virginity at 15.
Age (2.6): Rue is still 17

Quotes & Gifs

“[…] the absolute worst part of depression is that even though you know you’re depressed, you’re unable to stop yourself from getting worse.”
— Rue (1.7)

I thought it, I felt it, I said it.
— Rue (2.6)

No one would forget the trauma of me not being clean.
— Rue (2.6)

Reducing someone’s life to a moment, an ugly moment, and punishing them for it. That’s what cop’s do.
— Rue (2.6)

I have a lot of “I’m sorry’s” to do. But not a lot of “I forgive you’s.”
— Rue (2.8)

Gia (Storm Reid)

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “Pilot” [Series Premiere]

Rue’s little sister who, based on the pilot, seems without her sister’s ailments. Also, despite how Rue can be, the two actually have quite a close relationship. Maybe not to the point of spending a lot of time together out of the house, but they don’t argue as much as you may expect and Gia doesn’t look down on her sis.

Additional Information About Gia

Per the information given in episode 3, Gia is around 14 or 15.
She is the one who discovered Rue when she overdosed.
Loves “My So-Called Life,” which happens to be the director/ writer’s favorite show.

Quotes & Gifs

Jules (Hunter Schafer) & Young Jules (Clark Furlong)

Jules (Hunter Schafer) during an app hookup. — Jules (Hunter Schafer)

Young Jules (Clark Furlong), age 11, during a group therapy session. — Young Jules (Clark Furlong)

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “Pilot” [Series Premiere]

A new girl in town who is from a nearby city, Jules’ parents recently divorced and her dad gained custody over her. It isn’t clear how she feels about that but considering her dad isn’t a bigot nor overly protective, considering she is trans, she seems happy – for the most part. However, while comfortable, she is also lonely, and that makes Rue entering her life, at first, a good thing. Though if it remains so long term is a whole different story.

Additional Information About Jules

She moved to town a week before school started and had to do some summer school.
Has dreams of going to New York for college so that she can be a designer.
Formerly was an avid cutter due to body dysmorphia.
Started transitioning when she was 13.
Used to go see a psychologist, and was on meds when she was around 7 or 8. It isn’t noted if she has stopped taking medication or seeing a psychologist.
Focused on in Episode 4 of Season 1.
Is based on a real person.
Age (Special Episode “Part 2: Jules): She is 17

Quotes & Gifs

“If I can conquer men, I can conquer femininity.”
— Jules (1.7)

I feel like I’ve framed my entire womanhood around men.
— Jules (Special Episode “Part 2: Jules”)

Without the self-criticism, I’d be lost.
— Jules (Special Episode “Part 2: Jules”)

[…] you’re looking at a million layers of other people that I’ve grabbed and clung to throughout my entire life.
— Jules (Special Episode “Part 2: Jules”)

Most girls when you first talk to them, they automatically analyze and compare themselves to you, and then they search for where you fit in their hierarchy, and then they tret you accordingly.
— Jules (Special Episode “Part 2: Jules”)

At least for me, being trans is spiritual. You know, it’s not religious. It’s not for some congregation. It’s for me. It’s mine. It belongs to me.
— Jules (Special Episode “Part 2: Jules”)

[…] there’s a difference between thinking about hurting yourself, and wanting to hurt yourself.
— Jules (Special Episode “Part 2: Jules”)

Maybe that’s what I’m actually attracted to, maybe that’s the appeal? The letdown. The fact that none of its real and it’s all a fantasy.
— Jules (Special Episode “Part 2: Jules”)

Nate (Jacob Elordi)

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “Pilot” [Series Premiere]

Nate is a leader amongst the local boys and spreads the gospel of toxic masculinity amongst the masses. He also is one of the admins for a shared site that shares nudes and videos of local girls.

Additional Information About Nate

During a freshman dance, he assaulted Rue.
When he was 11 he discovered his father’s porn collection. Which, between the discovery and his dad coercing him to be hyper-masculine at age 12, that created the foundation for the Nate we see in the series.
- Also, thanks to seeing his dad’s porn collection, featuring his dad having sex with a bunch of young men, or trans girls, he is highly uncomfortable with seeing other guys penises.
He is the quarterback and team captain.
Nate like a traditionally feminine girl, but not one that is meek or a pushover. Yet, also not someone aggressive in a masculine way either.
His jersey number is #18
Focused on in season 1, episode 2.
Age (2.6): Is 18
Darkened (2.6): It is noted by Marsha that Nate went from a sweet kid to who we know today around 8 or 9

Quotes & Gifs

Charles McKay (Algee Smith)

McKay (Algee Smith) listening to Nate and others trash Cassie. — McKay (Algee Smith)

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “Pilot” [Series Premiere]

Often referred to as McKay, he is one of Nate’s friends but is a bit of an outlier. He isn’t a soiled douche, seems to respect women more than the rest, and doesn’t seem tainted by his environment. However, don’t see him as a saint since it isn’t like he is waiting for marriage and all that. He is just a nice guy who hangs with a**holes. May even be susceptible to their influence on occasion.

Additional Information About Charles

He is a freshman in college and trying to join a fraternity.
Focused on in season 1, episode 6.

Quotes & Gifs

Cassie (Sydney Sweeney)

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “Pilot” [Series Premiere]

Sister to one of Rue’s childhood friends, she and Charles are seeing each other and even hook up in the pilot. She also happens to be one of the girls Nate has nude pictures of and an alleged video. Because of that, Charles is slightly uncomfortable with her, and they have a rapey looking first time until he stops. But, even with them communicating about mutual pleasure, it seems if their relationship is going to work out, he’ll have to get past his friends slut-shaming her.

Additional Information About Cassie

Focused on in season 1, episode 7.
As a child, she used to do figure skating.
One of the primary reasons behind her nude pictures and videos was trying to make her boyfriends happy and, one could submit, the inconsistency, then utter absence, of her father Gus.

Quotes & Gifs

Fezco (Angus Cloud)

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “Pilot” [Series Premiere]

Rue’s favorite dealer and probably one of her few friends before Jules comes into her life. He is someone very chill, and while he does deal to teens with a bit of indifference, there is something about Rue he digs. Not romantically or sexually, but it does seem he recognizes something in her that makes him wish she didn’t pursue getting as f**ed up as she usually does. Though, with that said, he doesn’t try to stop her.

Additional Information About Fezco

Is a high school dropout who mostly deals with the local teens.
According to Nate, Fez dropped out of high school at 20.
When not dealing to local teens, Fez takes care of his grandmother Mary.

Quotes & Gifs

Ashtray (Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton)

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “Pilot” [Series Premiere]

Fezco’s sidekick, who can’t be more than 12, and seems to be a connoisseur of MDMA and Ecstasy-type pills.

Additional Information About Ashtray

Works and lives together with Fezco, and assumingly is his little brother.
Ashtray is highly knowledgeable in chemistry as well as Bitcoin.
Origins (2.1): Ashtray originally came into Mary and Fez’s life as collateral for a drug buy, but his mom never picked him up. Thus, he was raised by Grandma Mary, but mostly Fezco – with his real name lost in the process.
Nickname Origins (2.1): Ashtray’s name comes from him trying to eat a cigarette from Grandma Mary’s ashtray

Quotes & Gifs

Leslie (Nika King)

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “Pilot” [Series Premiere]

Gia and Roe’s mother, who is trying to raise both girls by herself and is struggling with Rue.

Additional Information About Leslie

When her husband, Robert, had cancer, she worked two jobs to support the household and pay medical bills.
Background (2.6): She grew up in the Christian church

Quotes & Gifs

Kat (Barbie Ferreira)

Katherine Hernandez (Barbie Ferreira) sitting on the school's bleachers. — Katherine Hernandez (Barbie Ferreira)

Character Description

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy”

Of her friend group, Kat was one of the last to lose her virginity and this bothered her a bit. Partly due to her friends teasing her about it, but also because it caused a bit of insecurity. However, what she’d never predict would be her first time, with a boy name Wes, would lead to a sex tape circulated throughout school. Much less, that said sex tape would trigger a shift in Kat’s plans on how to make money.

Additional Information About Kat

Comes from a two-parent household.
Before high school, Kat was quite a famous smut fan fiction writer on Tumblr and her Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson boy love story reached 184,000 notes. Also, it garnered her over 53,000 followers.
Focused on in season 1, episode 3.
Isn’t so much insecure about her body, in a dysmorphic way, as much as the lack of a positive response to it by others.
Works part-time as a cam girl/ online dominatrix.

Quotes & Gifs

“Who am I” is a very different question than “tell me about yourself,” right?
— Kat (2.3)

Maddy (Alexa Demie)

Young Maddy (Keilani Arellanes) after her pageant days were over. — Young Maddy (Keilani Arellanes)

Character Description

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy”

Nate’s off and on girlfriend, as well as head cheerleader, like many on the show, is a 17-year-old who likes to party, have sex, and get a little twisted. Not to the same extent as Rue, but she certainly isn’t a square.

Additional Information About Maddy

One of the issues of her and Nate’s relationship is how he picks her apart. Leading to, among other things she is forced to overanalyze, her questioning the size of her areolas.
Mom is an esthetician, and dad a drunk.
- Mom and dad haven’t been intimate since she was 10.
Maddy is 17 in season 1
- Age (2.2): Still 17
- Age (2.4): Turned 18
Lost her virginity at 14 to a 40-year-old man.
Sharon Stone in Casino became her inspiration after her mother ended her dreams of becoming a pageant queen.

Quotes & Gifs

Did you feel loved by me?
— Maddy (2.4)

90% of life is confidence. And the thing about confidence is no one knows if it’s real or not.
— Maddy (2.7)

Mouse (Meeka)

Mouse (Meeko) around the time he drugs Rue. — Mouse (Meeko)

Character Description

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy”

One of Fezco’s drug supplies, he delivers to Fezco what Ashtray can’t cook up. But it is also worth noting, unlike Fezco, Mouse is a gangster. So that laid back Mac Miller vibe Fezco has, Mouse doesn’t have the same attitude. He is an actual gangster. One who may like Fezco, but will extort from him if he must.

Additional Information About Mouse

He nearly rapes Rue, after giving her Fentanyl and expecting a payment, in season 1, episode 2. Which is stopped thanks to him extorting from Fezco $600.

Quotes & Gifs

Cal (Eric Dane) & 18 Year Old Cal (Elias Kacavas)

Character Description

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy”

Nate’s father who is a married man and a closet homosexual. One who often preys on young effeminate men or trans girls. But, to offload his self-hatred, he tries his best to present himself as hypermasculine and instill the same values in Nate.

Additional Information About Cal

Cal is a real estate developer and according to Rue, he has built half the town. Especially the new apartment buildings.
Is well known for his chili.
Episode Focus (2.3): We focus on his senior year
Age (2.4): He is around 43

Quotes & Gifs

You are a part of me I will never understand.
— Cal (2.4)

Tyler (Lukas Cage)

Character Description

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy”

Tyler is the unlucky boy, well man, who is accused of having sex with an allegedly blacked out Maddy. Someone who was very much sober when she initiated them having sex in a pool, which had many eyewitnesses and camera footage.

Additional Information About Tyler

His name is used by Nate to hide his true identity when talking to Jules.
Is 22.

Quotes & Gifs

Lexi (Maude Apatow)

Character Description

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy”

Lexi is Rue’s childhood friend, since pre-school, who seems to be one of Rue’s sources when it comes to talking about other people’s lives. Also, she is the source of pee which keeps Leslie unaware of her daughter’s drug use. She is also Cassie’s sister and Suze’s daughter.

Additional Information About Lexi

For most of Lexi’s life, it seems she hasn’t really been close to anyone. There was a certain jealousy of her sister, who got everyone’s attention, her dad was absent, and her mom an alcoholic. Hence why she puts up with Rue’s antics far more than others might.
Favorite Movie (2.6): Like Fez, her favorite movie is “Stand By Me”
Younger Than Cassie By (2.7): 433 days aka 1 year and two months
Kids (2.8): Wants 3 kids and to start having them at 30, for she wants to be done by 58 and start her life

Quotes & Gifs

I feel like I’ve lived most of my life in my imagination. Taking the smallest moments and dreaming them up into something bigger.
— Lexi (2.7)

At that age, we all thought we knew what love looked like. And we had our suspicions of what it felt like. But that’s also what made it so intoxicating. None of us had any idea what it actually was.
— Lexi (2.7)

Suze (Alanna Ubach)

Character Description

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy”

Cassie and Lexi’s alcoholic mother who seems to spend more time in and around Cassie’s life than Lexi’s. At least, considering how much she teases Cassie, when guest are around, you can assume she is closer to her than Lexi who seems to stay to herself.

Additional Information About Suze

Suze hasn’t necessarily had a terrible life, but she did have a terrible marriage. One which had infidelity, caused insecurity and is one of the sources to why Suze often drinks herself into slumber.
Age (2.7): Is over 38

Quotes & Gifs

Ali (Colman Domingo)

Ali saying he has faith in Rue — Ali: I got faith in you.

A father of two, and former firefighter, Ali is one of the people who goes to and speaks at, Rue’s narcotics anonymous meetings.

Additional Information About Ali

His drug of choice was crack.
His daughters live in Texas.
Throughout the season becomes the voice of reason, or hard truths, for Rue.
Sobriety (Special Episode “Part 1: Rue – Trouble Don’t Last Always”): He has been clean for seven years currently, and before his last relapse he was clean for 12 years.
Real Name (Special Episode “Part 1: Rue – Trouble Don’t Last Always”): His real name is Martin, but when he converted to Islam he changed his name to Ali
Origins (Special Episode “Part 1: Rue – Trouble Don’t Last Always”): He’s from South Philly
Age (Special Episode “Part 1: Rue – Trouble Don’t Last Always”): Ali is 54
Abusive History (Special Episode “Part 1: Rue – Trouble Don’t Last Always”): Growing up, his dad would beat on his sister and when he got married, he ended up beating on his wife. He was around 30 at the time, deep into his addiction when that happened.
Sisters and Daughters (Special Episode “Part 1: Rue – Trouble Don’t Last Always”): Has one sister, and two daughters, Imani and Marie, with Imani being the oldest.
Age (2.2): 54

Quotes & Gifs

[…] you give so much of a fuck, you can’t even bear to be alive.
— Ali (Special Episode “Part 1: Rue – Trouble Don’t Last Always”)

Revolutions are no longer radical.
— Ali (Special Episode “Part 1: Rue – Trouble Don’t Last Always”)

That is why the world keeps getting worse. People keep doing shit that we deem unforgivable, and in return, they decide there’s no reason to change. So now you got a whole bunch of people running around who don’t give a fuck about redemption.
—Ali (Special Episode “Part 1: Rue – Trouble Don’t Last Always”)

The thought of maybe being a good person is what keeps me trying to be a good person.
— Ali (Special Episode “Part 1: Rue – Trouble Don’t Last Always”)

I can’t tell if that’s a statement or a question.
— Ali (2.2)

[…] the hour is certain to come. So we must forgive graciously.
— Ali (2.6)

Robert (Bruce Wexler)

Character Description

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy”

Robert is Rue and Gia’s father, Leslie’s husband, who died when Rue was 13. Also, thanks to him, but not on purpose, Rue began her addiction to Oxycontin.

Additional Information About Robert

Robert specifically died of cancer.

Quotes & Gifs

Ethan (Austin Abrams)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 4 “Shook One: Pt II”

Kat’s lab partner in her Bio 301 class, and perhaps one of the first boys to genuinely like her since her childhood crush Daniel. At least, between talking to her like a person, offering to pay for her lunch, and seeking to spend time with her at the fair makes it appear he likes her. That or he is just a nice person.

Additional Information About Ethan

He has an older sister.
Jokes about being an Incel.
Is a virgin.

Proper Introduction (2.1): She is Fez’s maternal grandmother who took him from his abusive father when he was ten and taught him everything he knows.
Daughter’s Whereabouts (2.1): Currently unknown, but we’re told she had a pure heart

Quotes & Gifs

Don’t ever fall in love. It’s the one instinct you can’t trust.
— Grandma Mary (2.1)

Gus (Nick Blood)

Character Introduction

First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 7 “The Trials and Tribulations of Trying to Pee While Depressed”

Lexi and Cassie’s father, Suze’s ex-husband, who formerly was beloved by many – especially women. Which was just one of his issues. The others include not being the best provider – financially, being an alcoholic, eventually becoming a drug addict, after he got hooked on fentanyl, post a car accident, and a terrible father.

Additional Information About Gus

We’re told Cassie hasn’t seen her dad since she was 15.

Quotes & Gifs

Natalie (Allie Marie Evans)

Character Introduction

Elliot is someone who we’re originally introduced to as a guy who is just doing drugs on New Years Eve, but it seems he evolves into one of Rue’s favorite people.

Additional Information

Portrayed By: Dominic Fike
Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Trying to Get to Heaven Before They Close the Door”
Sexuality (2.3): He is fluid, bi-sexual

Quotes & .Gifs

I feel like everyone’s looking for a cause and effect. Sometimes shit’s just is what it is.
— Elliot (2.2)

Travis

Travis is three years ahead of the main cast and is mostly known for being a DJ and producer.

Additional Information

Portrayed By: Demetrius ‘Lil Meech’ Flenory Jr.)
Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Trying to Get to Heaven Before They Close the Door”

Laurie

Laurie is Fez’s new drug supplier after Ashtray murders Mouse.

Additional Information

Portrayed By: Martha Kelly
Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Trying to Get to Heaven Before They Close the Door”
Former Occupation (2.1): She was a school teacher
Drug Addiction (2.5): Laurie was a college athlete who, after she got injured, had surgeries that led to an Oxycotin addiction. One that ruined her picture-perfect family.

Bruce

Bruce is Laurie’s head of security and lover.

Additional Information

Portrayed By: Melvin ‘Bonez’ Estes
Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Trying to Get to Heaven Before They Close the Door”

Faye (Chloe Cherry)

Faye is Custer’s girlfriend who is a heroin addict.

Additional Information

Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Out Of Touch”

Quotes & Gifs

Custer (Tyler Chase)

Custer is one of Fez’s associates when it comes to drug dealing.

Additional Information

Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Out Of Touch”

Quotes & Gifs

Samantha (Minka Kelly)

Maddy’s employer, when it comes to her babysitting job.

Additional Information

Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Out Of Touch”
Background (2.6): Notes she was a hot mess from High School into her 20s, with her thinking, as would others, no one would settle down and marry her. Why? Well, in many ways she was like Maddy when she was young, and one of the things she loved to do was fight.

Quotes & Gifs

He gave me just the right amount of attention at the wrong time.
— Samantha (2.6)

Theo (Yukon Clement)

The kid Maddy babysits.

Additional Information

Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Out Of Touch”

Quotes & Gifs

Elliot’s Cousin (Ziayla Pizarro)

Additional Information

Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Out Of Touch”

Quotes & Gifs

Marsha (Paula Marshall) and 17 Year Old Marsha (Rebecca Louise)

17 Year Old Marsha (Rebecca Louise) putting her feet in Cal's face — 17 Year Old Marsha (Rebecca Louise)

Marsha (Paula Marshall) watching television with Cal — Marsha (Paula Marshall)

Marsha is Nate and Aaron’s mother and one of Cal’s first loves – especially of the heterosexual variety.

End of Season 1

Additional Information

Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 3 “Ruminations: Big and Little Bullys”
When She Met Cal (2.3): In her junior year

Quotes & Gifs

Derek (Henry Eikenberry)

Derek was Cal’s best friend throughout high school, and if it wasn’t for Marsha getting pregnant, he may have become Cal’s first boyfriend.

End of Season 1

Additional Information

Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 3 “Ruminations: Big and Little Bullys”

Quotes & Gifs

Bobbi (Veronica Taylor)

Bobbi is an actor at Lexi’s school who, after being denied a part in Oklahoma, becomes Lexi’s stage manager when she puts on an original play based on her observations.

End of Season 1

Additional Information