Angus Cloud, the Euphoria actor who passed away at age 25, died of an accidental overdose, a spokesperson for the Alameda County Coroner confirmed.
The actor’s cause of death was cited as the result of intoxication due to the combined effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and benzodiazepines.
Cloud’s family announced the news on July 31, saying, “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.”
Their statement concluded, “We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.”
The emerging actor and style star played drug dealer Fezco for two seasons on Euphoria — HBO’s hit series that tackles addiction and recovery, mental health, sex and identity, among other topics. The role was a breakout part, as the Oakland native who studied technical theater was cast after a chance encounter with a casting agent when he walking down the street in Manhattan.
The character was originally supposed to die in the first couple of episodes, but creator Sam Levinson changed his mind to keep Fez around, later expanding the role even further in season two. That finale, which aired in March 2022, ended on a major cliffhanger for the character, who had by that time cemented himself as a spiritual center on the series and left viewers rooting for his return.
“He just appreciated what I did, so he kept me going. I was excited. I was just ready to work,” Cloud had told THR after the finale of Levinson elevating his role on the Emmy-winning addiction drama, which stars Zendaya and a starry ensemble of high schoolers, along with the adults in their orbit. He remained optimistic about his character’s future on the already renewed third season, adding, “Everyone can change, you know? He’s just a survivor. He’s going to figure out how to make the best of situations.”
Levinson was among the Euphoria and Hollywood stars to pay tribute to Cloud after his passing. “There was no one quite like Angus,” the creator shared in a statement with THR. “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.”
Zendaya spoke about his “boundless light,” writing in her tribute, “I know people use this expression often when talking about folks they love…’they could light up any room they entered’ but boy let me tell you, he was the best at it. I’d like to remember him that way.”
It’s unclear what Levinson had planned for Cloud’s character in the forthcoming season. THR previously reported the creator had begun writing season three before the work stoppage from the May 2 writers strike.
Before his death, Cloud finished filming a star turn in the Universal Pictures’ untitled monster thriller from the filmmaking trio known as Radio Silence, and he wrapped filming on the upcoming thriller Your Lucky Day, THR previously confirmed. The Universal feature has been set for an April 19, 2024 release, while Your Lucky Day, produced by Luke Barnett and Adam Baxter, has yet to announce a release date.
Euphoria was Cloud’s biggest credit. In 2019, he had a small role in the Mikey Alfred skater dramedy North Hollywood and most recently starred in The Line, directed by Ethan Berger. A third upcoming project is the feature Freaky Tales, from Captain Marvel helmers Ryan Fleck.
Abbey White contributed to this report.
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