Actors of the series Euphoria - main cast and roles in the famous show

A rather provocative series recently came out in the USA. However, it quickly became popular. The series in question is 'Euphoria,' which has become a true cultural phenomenon, attracting the attention of millions of viewers worldwide. 

This HBO project was released in 2019 and immediately gained recognition for its uncompromising sincerity, visual boldness, and deep psychological insight. It tells the stories of teenagers undergoing a crisis of self-identity, struggling with addictions, trauma, love, and loneliness.

Actors of the series 'Euphoria'

At the center of the narrative is Rue Bennett, a girl trying to find herself after a stay in a rehabilitation center.

The series stands out not only for its plot but also for its exceptional cast. Young actors, some of whom were previously relatively unknown, managed to convey the complexity of their characters to the audience, making them realistic, vulnerable, and simultaneously strong. 

'Euphoria' is not just a show about teenagers; it's a dramatic mirror of the modern world, where each character reflects specific social or psychological archetypes. Thanks to the star-studded cast, viewers were able to see not just a beautiful picture but also to feel the pain, doubts, passion, and searches of the heroes.

Zendaya, Eric Dane, Maude Apatow, Angus Cloud, and others - each of them contributed to creating an atmosphere that leaves no one indifferent. All the actors perfectly immersed themselves in their roles; many of them had similar experiences in real life, which made their performances even more authentic. 

Zendaya - Rue Bennett

Zendaya, who played the leading role of Rue Bennett, became the face of the series. Her character is a teenager with a drug addiction who has just returned from rehabilitation and is trying to find the meaning of life. Rue is an observer of events, a storyteller, a figure around whom most of the plotlines revolve.

Zendaya managed to embody her character with incredible depth: her Rue is fragile, broken, yet intelligent and perceptive. For this role, the actress won an Emmy Award, becoming the youngest actress ever to win in the 'Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series' category.

Outside of the show, Zendaya is a well-known model, singer, and activist. She regularly appears on the covers of fashion magazines and participates in social campaigns, particularly related to mental health. On Instagram the actress has tens of millions of followers and shares both snippets of her life and important social messages.

Maude Apatow - Lexi Howard

Maude Apatow plays Lexi Howard, Cassie's sister and one of the most observant and reflective heroines. Her character opens up in a new way in the second season: she decides to put on a play that reveals the hidden sides of her classmates' lives.

Lexi is intelligent, smart, but often remains in the shadows of others. She has been silent for a long time, but at a certain moment finds her voice, which is symbolic for the actress herself. Maude is the daughter of director Judd Apatow, but her talent is evident regardless of her family background.

She actively develops her acting career, appearing in independent films and participating in theater productions. Her Instagram features behind-the-scenes shots, creative sketches, and childhood photos, highlighting her authenticity.

Angus Cloud - Fezco

Angus Cloud impressed viewers with his natural performance as Fezco, a drug dealer with a kind heart. His character is one of the most ambiguous yet humans. Despite his criminal lifestyle, Fezco cares for Rue, helps her, and his relationship with her is one of the warmest lines in the series.

Interestingly, Angus had no professional acting education — he was discovered on the street and invited to audition. This added authenticity to his character. His appearance, speech, and gestures are real, without gloss or embellishments.

Sadly, in 2023, Cloud passed away, which came as a big blow to fans and the show's team. His Instagram  still contains moments from his life, reminding us of him as a bright and talented person.

Eric Dane - Cal Jacobs

Eric Dane plays Cal Jacobs, Nate's father and one of the most controversial figures in the series. On the outside, he is a successful businessman and father, but behind closed doors, he is a man hiding a dark past, sexual and psychological secrets.

His character embodies a generation that couldn't openly accept themselves, and thus transmits violence and control onto their children. Eric brilliantly conveys the complexity of his hero — from calmness to aggression, from fear to vulnerability.

Before 'Euphoria,' Dane was known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan in 'Grey's Anatomy.' In real life, he also faced mental health issues, which he openly discussed in the media. 

Alexa Demie - Maddy Perez

Alexa Demie brilliantly embodied Maddy Perez, a girl with a bright style, sharp tongue, and complex internal traumas. At first glance, her character seems like a typical 'mean girl,' but over time the audience sees in her a person desperately seeking love and safety.

Maddy goes through toxic relationships, trying to find balance between self-respect and feelings, and this struggle is portrayed very realistically. Alexa, who has experience in music and fashion, adds special charisma to her character. Her style — both on-screen and in real life — has already become recognizable and imitated on social media.

Jacob Elordi - Nate Jacobs

Nate Jacobs is one of the most complex and simultaneously difficult-to-perceive characters in the series. His image is embodied by Jacob Elordi, an actor from Australia, who was previously known for teen films, but the role of Nate brought him real popularity.

Nate is an athlete, a handsome guy, the son of a successful father. It seems he has everything he needs for a happy life. But behind the external glamour lies deep trauma, aggression, a desire for control, and emotional emptiness. Elordi very accurately shows how toxic masculinity and psychological violence can be the result of domestic upbringing.

Beyond the scenes, Jacob is completely different: calm, elegant, passionate about fashion, attends luxury brand shows, and maintains a rather reserved Instagram. He is also actively filming for new projects, including in auteur cinema, which confirms his seriousness as an actor.

Barbie Ferreira - Kat Hernandez

Barbie Ferreira played the role of Kat Hernandez — a girl who goes from an insecure teenager to a woman discovering her sexuality and learning to value herself. Her storyline in the first season is one of the most important, as it shows how social media pressure and stereotypes about appearance affect young people's self-esteem.

Kat is the voice of many girls who begin to accept themselves in the digital age. Barbie approaches this role with sincerity and bravery. Her character is not idealized, but evokes sympathy and support. Her on-stage images, fantasies, and real emotions create a strong contrast that provokes thought.

In real life, Barbie is also a body-positive advocate and works for diversity in the fashion industry. She works as a model, participates in photoshoots without Photoshop, and openly talks about her identity. On social media, she shares both vibrant looks and personal reflections.

Nika King - Leslie Bennett

Leslie Bennett is Rue and Gia's mother, a woman trying to keep the family together while not losing herself in the midst of constant stress. She is played by Nika King, an experienced actress who infused this role with emotional depth, pain, resilience, and love.

Leslie is an example of a mother who wants to be strong, even when her heart is breaking. Her conflicts with Rue, attempts to control the situation, despair, and simultaneously boundless love — all this is conveyed very subtly by Nika. She is not the main character, but her presence in the series is critically important, as she reflects the parental struggle in real families.

Nika King is an actress with many years of experience in film and theater, who also teaches acting. In her interviews, she has emphasized that the role of Leslie helped her articulate her own past experiences. On social media , she shares her creative life and inspires others.

Storm Reid - Gia Bennett

Gia Bennett, Rue's younger sister, is a character who initially seems background but gradually acquires emotional weight. She is played by Storm Reid, a young but already well-known actress who has starred in films such as 'The Broken World,' 'The Invisible Man,' and 'The Last of Us.'

Gia is a witness to many crises in the family: her older sister's addiction, tension with her mother, loss of stability. Storm beautifully shows how a child silently observes the tragedy of adults and learns to live with it. Her eyes, mimics, and gaze speak more than words.

In real life, Storm is an activist, student, and influencer. She is involved in campaigns supporting mental health and equality. Her page on Instagram is filled with not only glamorous photos but also thoughts about the world, cinema, and her dream to influence it.

Hunter Schafer - Jules Vaughn

Jules Vaughn is one of the most unique characters in the series. She is played by Hunter Schafer, a transgender actress, model, and artist who didn’t just perform the role — she co-created it with writer Sam Levinson.

Jules is a delicate, complex, deeply emotional girl searching for herself in a world that constantly labels her. Her relationship with Rue is not just a love story but a quest for connection between two souls who feel lost. Hunter infused her performance with vulnerability, sincerity, and artistic vision.

Outside of the series, Hunter is actively working in the fashion industry, participating in photo shoots for brands like Prada and Dior, and creating her own art. 

Algee Smith - Kris Maki

Kris Maki is a character who embodies the problems facing young men in modern society: psychological pressure, expectations of success, struggle with the fear of appearing weak. He is played by Algee Smith, an actor and musician who previously gained fame for his roles in 'Detroit' and 'The New Edition Story.'

Maki is an athlete, a senior guy dating Cassie. But gradually, the viewer sees how outward confidence cracks under the pressure of inner doubts. The scenes where Maki tries to cope with humiliation, sexual issues, and lack of support are among the strongest in the first season.

Algee Smith is also actively involved in music. His Instagram is a mix of behind-the-scenes shots, musical novelties, and personal moments. He often speaks about the importance of emotional openness among men.