celebrity

For months, Angus Cloud was reportedly struggling on the set of Euphoria. Then his dad died.

Angus Cloud, best known for playing Fezco in Euphoria, has died, age 25.

In a statement, his family said: "It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today.

"As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways. Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss.

"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. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss."

HBO, the network behind Euphoria, said it was "incredibly saddened" by the news in a statement.

"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."

Cloud had played Fez, the sometimes drug dealer/sometimes guardian angel to Zendaya's Ru, in Euphoria since 2018. He quickly became a fan favourite character, launching the acting career of Cloud, who was literally plucked from obscurity by a casting agent to audition for the role.

Two weeks ago, Cloud posted a tribute to his father on Instagram. He had recently returned from Ireland, where his dad had been laid to rest.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Oakland Fire Department confirmed to Variety it had responded to a medical emergency at approximately 11:30am on Monday local time, and the patient was "already deceased".

The cause of death was unknown and the Oakland Police Department confirmed that it remains an "active death investigation".

In a 2022 interview with Complex, Cloud said he hoped viewers of Euphoria would have sympathy for its characters.

"Because addiction is serious and a lot of doctors call it a disease, it's a real thing. People don't understand it. It's easy to talk about and it's easy to say, 'Just say no'. But for someone who is in active addiction, that is damn near impossible and they will throw their whole life away and they will die because of this disease or whatever, and then they will say it's not a disease because you 'choose' to do drugs... I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemies, I have lost friends to that shit, you feel me?"

In April, Cloud's ex-manager Diomi Cordero posted a lengthy, since-deleted Twitter thread alleging Cloud of "verbal abuse, emotional distress and severe drug addiction". 

ADVERTISEMENT

He claimed to have met Cloud when he was working as a mental health technician at a rehab clinic, and they developed a close bond and began working with each other in April 2021.

Cordero said Cloud's friends continuously threatened his former client's sobriety.

"Their reckless behavior and lack of regard for Angus' recovery served as a significant obstacle to his progress, ultimately contributing to his relapse," he said.

Cordero alleged that Euphoria creator Sam Levinson pleaded with Cloud to 'fight for his life'.

Cordero said he organised Cloud a spot in another rehab facility while he filmed his final two weeks of the second season in November 2021, but he checked himself out to work on a film in Oklahoma.

Levinson has released a statement following his death, praising Cloud as one of a kind.

"There was no one quite like Angus. He was too special, too talented and way too young to leave us so soon," Levinson said. "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."

Stars including Drake, Kerry Washington and Halle Bailey have also shared tributes to the actor.

Cloud was most recently cast in a horror film from Scream VI directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, and has two other films in post-production. Filming for season three of Euphoria had not yet started.

If you think you may be experiencing depression or another mental health problem, please contact your general practitioner. If you're based in Australia, 24-hour support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.

Feature image: Getty.