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Google PlayEuphoria’s teenagers are the core of the show. But their parents are orbiting closely around them, becoming integral parts of the story as well. Actress Nika King plays Rue and Gia’s mom, Leslie Bennett—a woman who is grieving the loss of her husband while also supporting her daughter through drug addiction. King’s performance on the show is remarkable. Leslie is patient, calm in the midst of chaos, but fierce and firm when it comes to protecting her children—especially against themselves. Leslie is the only adult in Rue’s life who is helping her recover and find the treatment she needs. While each of the teens’ households has its own struggles, the Bennett family has faced devastating loss and is still recovering from the trauma of Rue overdosing in Season 1. She quickly relapsed, and finally hits what seems like rock bottom in Season 2’s fifth and sixth episodes. Leslie found herself chasing her daughter around town after a violent shouting match, only to find herself being the one to welcome and care for her as she went through withdrawal when she finally came home.
King’s chemistry with Zendaya on-screen is convincing and captivating, and accurately portrays the often complicated relationships between teen girls and their mothers. There have been debates online about whether Leslie is a bad mom or not, especially after Rue said everything was her mom’s fault in Episode 5 “Stand Still Like the Hummingbird.” “You know what’s a shame, mom? My dad’s dead,” Rue says. “Kinda keeps you from admitting what a shit mother you are.” She apologizes, and in the following episode Rue regrets her words, and instead, she marvels at her mom’s ability to forgive and care for her in spite of everything she said. The question is, is it Leslie’s duty as a mother that keeps her from giving up on Rue, or is it love and faith?
King, who is also a standup comedian from Miami, Florida, has experienced the chaos and devastation that addiction can bring into a family firsthand. She saw her mother struggle when she was younger, so part of the emotion and the reactions we see on screen are rooted in her own feelings. The actress understands the gravity of the topics the show covers and she believes that while children shouldn’t be watching the Sam Levinson-created series, parents could learn from it if they give it a chance. Complex caught up with King following the two emotionally charged episodes and she dished on working with Zendaya, what it’s like to play the mom of a teen battling addiction, her personal experience, and what she hopes for Leslie in the future.
