Angus Cloud, Beloved Euphoria Actor, Dies at 27

Angus Cloud, known for his role as Fezco “Fez” O’Neill on HBO’s Euphoria, has died at the age of 27. Cloud was found dead in his family’s home in Oakland, California, with no cause of death announced. His family revealed that he struggled with mental health and was grieving the recent loss of his father. Cloud’s portrayal of Fezco, a sensitive drug dealer who wants his friend to stop using drugs, quickly made him a fan favorite. Fellow actors and friends have expressed their grief over his passing, praising his talent and unique presence. Cloud’s success on Euphoria led to roles in films such as North Hollywood and The Line. HBO extended condolences to Cloud’s family and described him as immensely talented and beloved. Bill Chappell reported

Angus Cloud, known for his captivating portrayal of Fezco “Fez” O’Neill on HBO’s hit series Euphoria, passed away on Monday in Oakland, California. His family and colleagues confirmed his death, although no cause was immediately announced. Cloud’s family revealed that he had been struggling with mental health issues and was also mourning the recent loss of his father, Conor Hickey, who passed away in May and was buried in Ireland.

In a statement, Cloud’s family expressed their grief and offered a message of hope to others battling similar challenges. They said, “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.”

Cloud’s portrayal of the laconic drug dealer Fezco “Fez” O’Neill quickly endeared him to viewers of Euphoria. Fez’s complex character, who strives to help his friend Rue Bennett (played by Zendaya) overcome her drug addiction while dealing with his own personal struggles, resonated with audiences. Cloud’s talent and unique screen presence left a lasting impact on his fellow actors, who are now mourning his untimely passing.

Paula Marshall, a fellow cast member on Euphoria, described Cloud as kind, gracious, and incredibly unique. She stated, “You couldn’t take your eyes off him, on film or on set.” Javon “Wanna” Walton, who played Fez’s little brother Ashtray on the show, shared a heartfelt photo of the two embracing, captioning it with “rest easy brother.” Storm Reid, who portrays Rue’s younger sister Gia, posted a video clip from Euphoria featuring Cloud’s emotional performance as the song “Stand by Me” played in the background. Reid expressed her ongoing grief, stating, “The tears just won’t stop.”

Cloud’s rise to fame was meteoric. He was discovered by a casting director while in New York City and initially had reservations about being “discovered,” suspecting it might be a scam. However, as he learned about the role the producers had in mind for him, he realized his potential. Reflecting on his journey, Cloud shared, “Because in my mind I was like, they stopped me because I look like I could be a star? Then I’m like, no, it’s because I look like I could be a drug dealer.”

Despite his success and recognition, Cloud emphasized the differences between himself and his character Fezco. Cloud’s fans, however, can be forgiven for seeing similarities in their low-key cool personas. His unexpected appearance at a New York Fashion Week show, seated beside Megan Thee Stallion and casually enjoying a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, caused quite a stir. Cloud, however, remained unfazed, stating, “I didn’t know that that was something that anyone would think twice about. I was just having a snack at the show.” In a viral TikTok video, Cloud was seen calmly working as a waiter during brunch in Brooklyn shortly before his big break.

Following his breakout success on Euphoria, Cloud secured roles in various films, including North Hollywood (2021), The Line (2022), Your Lucky Day, and Freaky Tales, which is set in Oakland and stars Pedro Pascal. HBO, in a statement regarding Cloud’s passing, expressed their condolences to his loved ones, saying, “He was immensely talented and a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family.”

Angus Cloud’s tragic death has left a void in the entertainment industry, and his talent and impact will be sorely missed. As fans and fellow actors mourn his loss, his legacy as an exceptional performer and a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental health issues will endure..