Kevin Turen, who was best known for his work on television shows such as “Euphoria” and “The Idol,” died over the weekend, according to his father. He was 44.
Mr. Turen’s father, Edward Turen, confirmed his son’s sudden death in a statement late on Nov. 12. A cause of death is yet to be revealed.
“Kevin was so incredibly special, this world is going to be less without him,” he told Deadline.
Jay Penske, a close relative of Mr. Turen and the CEO of digital media company Penske Media Corporation (PMC), paid tribute to the late Hollywood producer in a statement to PMC’s parent company Variety.
“Despite his many achievements in Hollywood, Kevin’s greatest passion was his family and friends,” Mr. Penske said. “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.”
Mr. Turen is survived by his wife, actress Evelina Oboza, and his two sons, James and Jack.
Career
Born in New York City on Aug. 16, 1979, Mr. Turen studied English and cinema at Columbia University.
He later served as an executive at First Look Studios—an independent U.S. film distribution company—and eventually ascended to the role of president. In 2014, he became the head of Phantom Four, a production company started by renowned filmmaker David S. Goyer.
During his time at Phantom Four, Mr. Turen worked on Sam Levinson’s comedy thriller “Assassination Nation,” which marked the beginning of an extended collaboration with Mr. Levinson and his wife, Ashley.
Together with the couple, Mr. Turen co-founded a film and audio production company called Little Lamb Productions. He went on to produce the film “Malcolm & Marie,” and ultimately served as an executive producer on HBO’s television shows “Euphoria” and “The Idol.”
Other notable film credits include “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” the “X” film series, “Those Who Wish Me Dead,” “All Is Lost,” and “Pieces of a Woman.”
In 2022, Mr. Turen earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series in association with the “Euphoria” series.
Lynette Taylor, an Academy Award-nominated producer for film and television, said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Mr. Turen’s death is “utterly tragic” and “a horrific loss.”
The producer’s sudden passing comes several months after “Euphoria” star Angus Cloud died of an accidental overdose of cocaine and fentanyl, among other substances. The actor was declared dead at his parent’s home on July 31 at the age of 25.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau said Mr. Cloud died as a result of “acute intoxication” owing to the “combined effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and benzodiazepines.”