“Euphoria” star Angus Cloud has died at the age of 25, just days after returning to the United States from Ireland — where he buried his father.
According to a report published Tuesday by entertainment site TMZ, police and firefighters in Oakland, California, responded late Monday morning to a 911 call placed by Cloud’s mother. She informed authorities that she suspected an overdose, and told them that her son did not have a pulse.
He was later pronounced dead at the scene, and his family released a statement to TMZ.
“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 statement read. “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. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss,” the statement concluded.
Cloud, who was best known for his portrayal of Fezco on popular HBO Max series, also appeared in the films “North Hollywood” and “The Line.”
The official Twitter account for “Euphoria” responded to the loss, saying, “We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud. 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.”
We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud. 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. pic.twitter.com/PLqkz5Rshc
— euphoria (@euphoriaHBO) July 31, 2023
No cause of death has yet been reported, but a source told TMZ that the actor had been battling suicidal thoughts since the recent loss of his father and had been staying with family while he attempted to navigate his grief.
“Conor Angus Cloud Hickey was an extremely talented actor and a very sweet young man. He told me he had a lot of family in Ireland. Offaly and Balbriggan I believe. He wanted to go back there,” actor and director Jason O’Mara said. “I am devastated to hear this news. Sending love to his family and friends.”
Cloud had no acting experience when he landed the role on “Euphoria” — a casting rep. had literally approached him on the street in New York City, asking him to come in and read lines from what would eventually be the show’s first episode.
“I was confused and I didn’t want to give her my phone number,” Cloud said in GQ interview in 2019. “I thought it was a scam … I had to change it a little bit to make it sound real, like how I would say it.”
He had previously attended the Oakland School for the Arts – but rather than acting, had spent his time there building sets and working behind the scenes. So when the time came for him to shoot the pilot episode, he opted not to change who he was to become more of what he thought an actor should be.
“I wasn’t trying to learn how to act on the plane over there,” he told GQ at the time. “Imma just show up and do what they want and then be done.”
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