On the HBO series Euphoria, Fezco “Fez” O’Neill was portrayed by actor Angus Cloud, who has since passed away. He was 25.
According to Cloud’s publicist, Cait Bailey, the musician passed away on Monday at his Oakland, California, residence. The reason of death was not disclosed.
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 intensely struggled with this loss,” the family said. “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 humor, laughter and love for everyone,” his family added.
Before being cast in “Euphoria,” Cloud hadn’t done any acting. Eleonore Hendricks, a casting scout in New York, spotted him while he was strolling along the street. Cloud initially resisted, thinking it was a con.
Then casting director Jennifer Venditti met with him and series creator Sam Levinson eventually made him a co-star in 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 does bother me when people are like, `It must be so easy! You get to go in and be yourself.’ I’m like, ‘Why don’t you go and do that?’ It’s not that simple,” Cloud told Variety. “I brought a lot to the character. You can believe what you want. It ain’t got nothing to do with me.”
The part made Cloud the breakout star of one the buzziest shows in television. He was recently cast to co-star in “Scream 6.”
“We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud,” HBO said 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.”
