Words by Elliott Hollingsbee
We remember Angus Cloud, one of Hollywood’s most promising talents, and the legacy he built off the back of such a painfully short career.
Angus Cloud’s death was one of the most unexpected celebrity death announcements in recent memory, sending shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry. The actor, who died on July 31st aged just 25, was best known for playing Fezco on HBO’s hit show Euphoria – a touching tribute by co-star Zendaya said “words cannot describe the infinite beauty that is Angus”.
The key to Cloud’s fan-favourite performance was his capability to capture the show’s often controversial themes in an envelope of sensitivity and compassion. As Rue’s drug dealer, he was often found – surprisingly given his character brief – showcasing these traits with a nature of realism that remained a constant over the two seasons he starred in. Even when the melodrama was amped up, his performance consistently grounded the show. It’s hard to imagine a third season without his presence.
All of this becomes even more impressive when you learn that Angus Cloud never had acting aspirations; he was scouted by a casting director on the streets of Manhattan while working as a waiter in a diner. In true Fezco style, he thought he was being scammed when the casting rep asked for his number. Before he could blink, Euphoria was his first ever acting credit. While he has three films currently in post-production, his repertoire will never be huge, yet his ability to bring loved characters like Fez to life will remain.
Off-screen, he was also known for his red-carpet appearances and interviews, such as this viral moment at last year’s Vanity Fair Oscars party. His blasé attitude never faltered and remained as endearing as it was naturally funny. This is another of my favourite interview moments from him, but now it reads in a different light. Cloud has gone beyond the clouds, himself now among the stars, yet his mesmerising talent lives on, never to be forgotten.