Angus Cloud, actor in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’, died aged 25

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Angus Cloud, the actor who starred as drug dealer Fezco “Fez” O’Neill on the HBO series “Euphoria,” has died. He was 25.

Cloud’s publicist, Cait Bailey, said Cloud died Monday at his family’s 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 struggled intensely with this loss,” the family said. “The only comfort we have is knowing that Angus is now reunited with his father, who was his best friend. Angus was open about his struggles with mental health and we hope his passing can serve as a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this alone in silence.”

“We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for all,” his family added.

Cloud had not acted before being cast in “Euphoria”. He was walking down the street in New York when casting scout Eléonore Hendricks noticed him. Cloud was resistant at first, suspecting a scam. Then casting director Jennifer Venditti met with him, and series creator Sam Levinson eventually made him a co-star on 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 that Cloud pushed back against.

“It bothers me when people say, ‘It must be so easy! You have to go in and be yourself’. I say, ‘Why don’t you go and do it?’ It’s not that simple,” Cloud told Variety. “I brought a lot to the character. You can believe what you want. It has nothing to do with me.”

The part made Cloud the breakout star of one of television’s liveliest shows. He had a supporting role in his first film, “The Line,” a college drama starring Alex Wolff and John Malkovich that premiered earlier this year at the Tribeca Festival. Cloud was recently cast to star in “Scream 6.” He has also made cameos in music videos for Juice WRLD, Becky G and Karol G.

Filming for the third season of “Euphoria” has not yet begun.

“There was no one like Angus,” Levinson said in a statement. “He was too special, too talented and far too young to leave us so soon. He also, like many of us, struggled 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 said in a statement that Cloud “was tremendously 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.”