Who Plays Derek on HBO's Saucy Hit Series 'Euphoria'?

Jan. 24 2022, Published 6:17 p.m. ET

Spoiler alert: This article accommodates spoilers for Season 2, Episode 3 of Euphoria.

Finding a contented persona in HBO's Euphoria is like finding a needle in a haystack — except there is not any needle. Well, if truth be told, there are rather a couple of needles in Euphoria. The hit series that draws at our heartstrings while simultaneously giving us unending type and make-up inspiration (graphic liner and all the glitter, please) won't portray modern high schoolers appropriately, however it indisputably serves us fantastic storytelling.

Sam Levinson's Euphoria boasts an overabundance of unbearable characters, one being the violent, corrupt Cal Jacobs (Eric Dane), father to the equally hostile top schooler Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi). The apple doesn't fall some distance from the tree. But from time to time, monsters are created, and Season 2 of Euphoria is taking audience on a commute down Cal's memory lane.

The beginning story so as to discuss showcases Cal's dating together with his childhood best friend, Derek, which sooner or later become more than a tight friendship all over their senior yr of high school. The magic simplest lasted till one devastating telephone name, alternatively. So, who plays Cal's past flame?

Who plays Cal's highschool best friend, Derek?

In Season 1, audience came upon that married real property bigwig Cal has a secret life that involves sneaking off to seedy inns and hooking up with young queer males and transgender women he meets online, one being Jules (Hunter Schafer). So, going into Season 2, we knew Cal used to be in the closet, but given his provoking past, we understand him a bit better now.

In Season 2, Episode 3, titled "Ruminations: Big and Little Bullys," a flashback scene from many years prior highlights Cal (Elias Kacavas) slowly but without a doubt falling in love together with his best friend, Derek, who's portrayed through actor Henry Eikenberry. Their relationship becomes increasingly intimate all over their last yr of high school, till it in any case reaches a firework-worthy turning level on the night of their commencement.

While each boys actively dated ladies, often going on double dates together and attractive in NSFW actions in the similar room, their love found a solution to blossom. On commencement night time, Cal and Derek celebrate the milestone minus their girlfriends, which was once Derek's idea.

Derek brings his BFF to "his place" — aka a homosexual bar. It is there, on the neon-lit dance ground — a safe space the place no one can pass judgement on them — the two boys percentage a passionate kiss.

It is all so gorgeous, uncooked, and natural, but nothing lasts eternally. The next day, Cal — who's still on Cloud 9 from the night time prior — will get a phone call from his female friend, Marsha (Rebecca Louise), who proceeds to inform him she's pregnant. Cal's global comes crashing down nearly instantly.

Said unborn child would develop up to be Nate's older brother. Cal and Marsha were given hitched and had two boys, a lie of a existence that contributes to (or created) Cal's misery. Sadly, the abusive father extra continuously than no longer takes his pain out on Nate.

Where else have we observed Henry Eikenberry?

While actor Henry Eikenberry plays a small function on Euphoria, the show — which shines with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 86 % — is enough to get his good-looking face and bold appearing chops recognized. It turns out that his role as Derek is Henry Eikenberry's first onscreen acting gig. The aspiring thespian even thanked the casting staff on Instagram for "taking a chance" on him.

We'll be watching, Henry, as we are positive your performing career will handiest continue to bounce.

New episodes of Euphoria air Sundays at Nine p.m. EST on HBO.

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