Angus Cloud, the actor who starred as Fezco “Fez” O'Neill on the HBO series Euphoria, has died. He was 25.
Cloud's publicist, Cait Bailey, said the actor died on Monday at his family home in Oakland, California. No cause of death was given.
In a statement, Cloud's family said goodbye to “an artist, a friend, a brother and a son”.
“Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss,” the family said. “The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend. Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence.”
“We hope the world remembers him for his humour, laughter and love for everyone,” his family added.
Cloud hadn’t acted before he was cast in Euphoria. He was walking down the street in New York when casting scout Eleonore Hendricks noticed him. Cloud was resistant at first, suspecting a scam. Then casting director Jennifer Venditti met him and series creator Sam Levinson eventually made him a co-star in the series alongside Zendaya for its first two seasons.
To some, Cloud seemed so natural as Fez that they suspected he was identical to the character – a notion Cloud pushed back against.
“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.”
The part made Cloud the breakout star of one of the most talked-about shows on television. This led to a supporting role in his first film, The Line, a college drama starring Alex Wolff and John Malkovich that had its premiere earlier this year at the Tribeca Festival. Cloud was recently cast to co-star in Scream VI. He also made cameos in music videos for Juice Wrld, Becky G and Karol G.
The third season of Euphoria hasn't yet begun filming.
“There was no one quite like Angus,” Levinson said in a statement. “He was too special, too talented and way too young to leave us so soon. He also struggled, like many of us, with addiction and depression. I hope he knew how many hearts he touched. I loved him. I always will. Rest in peace and God bless his family.”
HBO called Cloud “immensely talented and a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family”.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.”
Tributes paid to star
Since the news of Cloud's death, several celebrities have taken to social media to share their condolences.
Javon Walton, who played Fez's younger adopted brother Ashtray in Euphoria, shared a photo of the two together.
Actress Rachel Zegler shared a message in which she "celebrated" Cloud and hoped he remembered how loved he was.
Kerry Washington tweeted: "You will be deeply missed. Rest in Power," while Danny Ramirez wrote: "Angus… rest easy. Sending you and your family all my love."
Musician Questlove also posted a tribute, saying that Cloud's character was his favourite on the show.
Actress Chloe Bailey, sister of The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey, tweeted: "Wow Angus Cloud gone too soon.. rest in peace angel."
Actor Colman Domingo, who also appeared on Euphoria, shared a group photo that Cloud had taken. "May he rest sweetly in peace."
