Angus Cloud, the actor best known for playing drug dealer Fezco “Fez” O’Neill on HBO’s Euphoria, has died. He was 25.
His publicist, Cait Bailey said he passed on Monday at his family home in Oakland, California. No cause of death was given, but the Oakland Fire Department confirmed that it remains “an active death investigation”.
“It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today,” said his family in a statement. “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.”
The statement continued, “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.”
Cloud rose to prominence playing Fez in Euphoria, serving as a main character on the show’s first two seasons and quickly growing into a fan favourite. The actor was walking down the street in Manhattan when he got cast, landing him his first acting role. “I was with some friends,” Cloud said. “We were just hanging out.”
“It does bother me,” he admitted in a past interview with Variety, “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. I brought a lot to the character. You can believe what you want. It ain’t got nothing to do with me.”
Cloud’s role was expanded in the second season of the Emmy-winning addiction drama, which ended on a major cliffhanger for Fez following a S.W.A.T raid. Production on its third season has yet to begin.
“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.”
The Euphoria star was most recently cast in a supporting role in The Line, a college drama starring Alex Wolff and Halle Bailey. Cloud also co-starred in Scream VI and had finished filming his role for Universal Pictures’ upcoming untitled monster thriller.
Rest in peace, good sir.