Kevin Turen, producer of Euphoria and The Idol, has died. He was 44.
Turen first produced Larry Clark’s Wassup Rockers and later went on to work with Sam Levinson and produce Malcolm and Marie, Trey Shultz’s Waves, Nicholas Jarecki’s Arbitrage, Nate Parker’s The Birth of a Nation, Kornel Mondruczo’s Pieces of a Woman, Ramin Bahrani’s 99 Homes and Ti West’s X trilogy.
Turen’s work on television ncluded Olivier Assayas’a IRMA VEP as well as Levinson’s The Idol and Euphoria.
Jay Penske, CEO of Deadline parent company PMC and close friend said, “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.”
Turen was the rare producer who knew as much about filmmaking as the directors he collaborated with. He had a seemingly photographic memory and was able to recall every frame of film he ever watched. He was an artist himself and understood story, could communicate with any talent behind and in front of the camera, and could seemingly raise and close financing for any project he believed in. The art was always first.
Turen was a real Manhattanite who went on to study cinema at Columbia University. He was an incredible friend who maintained many deep relationships from every chapter of his life. He radiated love and positivity and really cared about others and rooted for their success.
Turen was somewhat of a renaissance man. He was a passionate foodie who appreciated the fine arts.
Kevin Turen leaves behind his his wife, Evelina, and his two sons, Jack and James, who he was incredibly proud of. His entirety was poured into his kids and his work.
