The cast of HBO’s Euphoria is hard at work on the show’s upcoming third season, however, some fan-favorites won’t be returning. One of those is comedian and actress Nika King, who played Leslie Bennett, the mother of drug-addicted teenager Rue (Zendaya). But despite the departure, she assures fans she’s in good spirits — despite some concern following a viral video.
Earlier this month, she shared a Reel to her Instagram page, responding to questions regarding whether or not she will be appearing in Season 3 of Euphoria. In the video, she is seen deep cleaning a restaurant kitchen.
After posting the video, fans took to the comments to express sympathy toward King for being let go from the show and for working a day job. On Thursday, July 24, King took to Instagram once again to clarify that this is not a setback.
“Let me be clear, there is no issue with cleaning the kitchen,” King said. ”That is honest work. And let me tell you, I'm OCD, so I get in the crevices.”
The kitchen in question is the Fort Lauderdale-based Blue Tree Cafe Vegan Soul Food, which King co-owns with her mother, Sharon Allen. While it seems King is on a break from acting and comedy, she shared a message to those who are also working day jobs while chasing their artistic goals.
“If you out here and you [make] an honest living, you not scamming, you not mistreating people, you not taking advantage of people — you out here doing an honest job, and you chasing a dream on top of that, — shout out to you, you the real hustler,” she said.
Similarly, fans expressed concern back in March 2024, when King was performing a comedy set and joked that she hadn’t paid her rent in months. She addressed this in Thursday’s video, and has maintained a sense of humor during this season in her life.
“Let me tell you, it's hard out here for a pimp,” she said. “I'm this close [to] starting an OnlyFans page.”
Elsewhere in the clip, King cited her Miami upbringing for giving her strength and work ethic. She also shared some statistics about actors, noting “98% of actors are unemployed, 87% don't qualify for health insurance, and [actors are] two times likely to be depressed and have anxiety,” though it’s not quite clear where she got these stats from.
She closes the clip, reminding viewers that those who wish to make it in film and television must move with intention, as opposed to seeking fame and glory. “You have to chase purpose and not clout.”
In other Euphoria news, HBO announced earlier this week that Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer will craft Season 3’s score alongside singer and instrumentalist Labrinth. A premiere date for Season 3 has not yet been announced.