LOS ANGELES (AP) — Angus Cloud, the 25-year-old actor known for his portrayal of the drug dealer Fezco “Fez” O’Neill on the HBO series “Euphoria,” has passed away. Cloud’s publicist, Cait Bailey, confirmed his death, stating that he died on Monday at his family residence in Oakland, California. However, the cause of death has not been disclosed.
In a heartfelt statement, Cloud’s family bid farewell to their beloved Angus, describing him as an artist, a friend, a brother, and a son.
“Last week, Angus buried his father, and the profound loss had a significant impact on him,” the family expressed. “The only solace we find in this heartbreaking moment is the knowledge that Angus is now reunited with his beloved dad, who meant the world to him and was his closest confidant. Angus bravely shared his struggles with mental health, and we sincerely hope that his passing serves as a poignant reminder to others that they are not alone in their battles and should never suffer in silence.”
“We hope that the world cherishes the memory of Angus for his humor, laughter, and boundless love for everyone,” his family added, reflecting on the positive aspects of his life.
Angus Cloud had no prior acting experience before being cast in the role of Fezco in “Euphoria.” His journey to the show began when casting scout Eléonore Hendricks noticed him while he was walking down a street in New York. At first, Cloud was skeptical, thinking it might be a scam. However, after meeting with casting director Jennifer Venditti and series creator Sam Levinson, he was eventually chosen to co-star in the series alongside Zendaya for its first two seasons.
Although Cloud’s portrayal of Fez seemed effortless and natural, some people mistakenly believed he was identical to the character in real life. This assumption was something Cloud resisted.
“It does bother me when people are like, ‘It must be so easy! You get to go in and be yourself.’ I’m like, ‘Why don’t you go and do that?’ It’s not that simple,” Cloud told Variety. “I brought a lot to the character. You can believe what you want. It ain’t got nothing to do with me.”
He emphasized that there was more to his performance than just being himself, and he invested his talent and efforts to bring depth and authenticity to the character of Fezco.
Portraying Fezco in “Euphoria” catapulted Angus Cloud to stardom, making him the breakout star of the widely-talked-about television show. He also ventured into the film industry, landing a supporting role in his first movie, “The Line,” a college drama featuring Alex Wolff and John Malkovich, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival earlier in the year. Additionally, Cloud had recently been cast as a co-star in “Scream 6” and had made cameo appearances in music videos for Juice WRLD, Becky G, and Karol G.
As the third season of “Euphoria” was yet to begin filming, Angus Cloud’s untimely passing came as a shock to many. Series creator Sam Levinson expressed his deep sorrow, emphasizing that there was no one quite like Angus. Levinson praised Cloud’s unique talents and acknowledged his struggles with addiction and depression, hoping that Angus knew the immense impact he had on countless hearts. Levinson fondly remembered his time with Angus and conveyed his love and everlasting support. He bid farewell, saying, “Rest in peace, and God bless his family.”
HBO also mourned the loss of Angus Cloud, acknowledging his immense talent and considering him a beloved member of the HBO and “Euphoria” family. The network extended its deepest condolences to Cloud’s friends and family during this difficult time, recognizing the significant impact he made during his time in the industry.
