The Last of Us season 2 introduced fans to brand-new problems for Joel and Ellie. Played by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, respectively, the duo is facing new threats five years after Joel saved Ellie’s life from the Fireflies. In episode 1, a bombshell was dropped about Joel — his role in the death of a character named Eugene. So, how did Eugene die in the series?
Below, News47.us is breaking down everything we know about Eugene’s character, his death and his connection to Joel.
Joe Pantoliano, who has yet to appear in season 2 of the HBO series, plays Eugene. The actor has appeared in a variety of TV shows and movies, with one of his most famous roles being Ralph “Ralphie” Cifaretto in The Sopranos. He also played supporting characters in the series Hill Street Blues, The Goonies, La Bamba, Empire of the Sun, Midnight Run, NYPD Blue, Memento and Bad Boys.
Joe Pantoliano as Eugene in The Last of Us #TheLastofUs pic.twitter.com/oQOdCI1JEJ
— The Last of Us Shots (@TLOU_Shots) March 9, 2025
Eugene is Gail’s husband. Gail is Joel’s therapist and is played by Catherine O’Hara. Eugene and Gail were spouses until he died at some point before season 2.
In season 2, episode 1, Gail makes it clear how her husband, Eugene, died: Joel killed him.
“You shot and killed my husband,” Gails tells Joel during the first therapy session viewers see between them. “You killed Eugene. And I resent you for it. No, maybe a little more than that. I hate you for it.”
