‘Euphoria’ star Angus Cloud passes away
Angus Cloud, the 25-year-old star of the popular HBO teen drama series "Euphoria", passed away on Monday, as confirmed by his family. His death came shortly after the loss of his father, who was also his close confidante and had been laid to rest just a few days before.
While the exact cause of Angus Cloud's passing remains undisclosed, his family's statement mentioned his ongoing struggles with mental health, which were compounded by the emotional toll of losing his father, described as his "best friend".
They emphasised the importance of raising awareness about mental health issues, stating, "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."
In "Euphoria", Cloud portrayed Fezco O'Neill, also known as Fez, a complex character who was an intense drug dealer with a moral compass. The show, led by Zendaya in the role of Rue Bennett, delves into the lives of California high school students grappling with issues like substance abuse, sex, and violence.
Before his breakthrough role in "Euphoria" in 2019, Angus Cloud had only five other acting credits to his name. However, his performance in the series garnered critical acclaim and recognition, earning him a prominent place in the industry.
The news of Cloud's passing reverberated across social media, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from colleagues and fans alike.
"We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud. He was 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," the "Euphoria" show posted on messaging platform X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter.
Fellow "Euphoria" co-star Javon "Wanna" Walton, known in the show as Cloud's adoptive brother, Ashtray, paid tribute on Instagram, stating "Rest easy brother."
California congresswoman Barbara Lee lamented the loss of "Oakland's own" on her social media accounts. "His immense talent touched the lives of countless people. His work & legacy will forever live on and make Oakland proud," she posted.
Actress Kerry Washington also posted on the platform, expressing, "You will be deeply missed. Rest in power."
Despite his talent and success, Angus Cloud had initially not aspired to be an actor. In a 2019 interview with GQ, he revealed that he was content working at a chicken and waffle joint until a casting agent unexpectedly approached him, changing the course of his life forever.
"I was confused and I didn't want to give her my phone number," Cloud told GQ. "I thought it was a scam."
After first airing in June 2019, Euphoria quickly became a hit and by 2022 was the most tweeted-about TV show of the decade in the US. "Euphoria" has received widespread acclaim, earning numerous awards, including two Emmys and a Golden Globe for Zendaya.