Euphoria’s Dominic Fike says he almost got kicked off the show over drug addiction: ‘It was really bad’
Dominic Fike has opened up about his battle with drug addiction and revealed it almost cost him his role euphoria.
The 27-year-old starred in the second season of Sam Levinson’s dark teen drama as Elliot, a drug user who influences Rue’s (Zendaya) dangerous relapse.
Fike recently sat down with New Zealand DJ Zane Lowe for a lengthy Apple Music video interview and admitted he was “on drugs” when he was cast.
“And getting on a show that’s mostly about drugs is very difficult,” said the “Babydoll” singer. “Sam, the director and writer, got me a sober coach, someone who’s always there. It did not work.”
When asked if he ever filmed scenes while high, Fike replied, “Oh my god. Yes man. I was so drained for much of this show. It was really bad.”
He recalled being “reprimanded for it,” adding, “I almost, you know, got kicked off the show … They were like, ‘Brother, you can’t do that.'”
Ultimately, Fike was not fired. In fact, some of the shots he took at altitude were actually used in the final cut because Levinson “had to” since he had no other choice.
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“This is entertainment,” said the actor. “You know, they give you a lot of money and they’re just like, ‘Find out, mate.’ sink or swim.”
The Independent has reached out to HBO and Levinson for comment.
Fike, who is now sober, said he’s looking forward to returning for season three.
“It gets sick, you know. I think I have a better dynamic with everyone… well, I mean, almost everyone,” he laughed, seemingly confirming his split euphoria co-star Hunter Schafer.
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After Lowe reassured him that he “isn’t the first actor to fall in love with a co-star,” Fike replied, “I know… You’re living in this very bloody accelerated form of intimacy.”
He equated acting with “getting undressed in front of someone,” adding, “You just do this very stupid thing and you’re forced to be the silliest and most vulnerable in front of someone and that obviously speeds up any kind of intimacy.” that may already be in place, and so relationships or affairs are put on the fast track.”
Fike and Schafer, 24, were first linked in February 2022 when they posted a photo of themselves kissing to Instagram. They made their red carpet debut as a couple at Vanity Fair’s Oscar party the following month.