Remembering Angus Cloud: His Best Fez Scenes in ‘Euphoria’ (PHOTOS)
The stars and fans of Euphoria are grieving the sudden loss of Angus Cloud. The 25-year-old actor, who played Fezco “Fez” O’Neill in Euphoria Seasons 1 and 2, died on Monday, July 31 at the age of 25. His father had died just the week prior, his family revealed in a statement.
“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,” Cloud’s family said in a statement to TMZ.
“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.”
Euphoria relies on the stellar acting skills of its young cast, led by Zendaya, who has now won two Emmys for her performance as Rue. Rue is the centerpiece of the show’s brutal narrative, but Cloud’s portrayal of 20-year-old drug dealer Fez — de facto father to Ashtray (Javon Walton) and protective brother figure to Rue — made him the warm, beating heart of the series. (See Zendaya and Walton’s tributes to Cloud here and here.)
In honor of the late star, we’ve compiled our favorite Fez scenes from Euphoria. (Warning: major Season 2 finale spoilers ahead.)
Euphoria, Seasons 1 and 2 Available Now, Max
Fez Denies Rue (Season 1 Episode 3)
Fez loved Rue too much to enable her drug abuse further. Watching Fez’s heartbreak as he listens to Rue’s acidic words from the other side of his door was the first time we saw the true depth of Fez. Cloud’s ability to radiate love, as exemplified in this scene, is at the core of what made him Euphoria‘s heart.
Fez Confronts Nate (Season 1 Episode 7)
Fez’s love for his chosen family also manifests as fierce protection. Fez threatening Nate (Jacob Elordi) after his continued harassment of Jules (Hunter Schafer) and Rue at the end of Season 1 was a key moment that set the stage for the Season 2 premiere. And while Fez’s sweet side is our favorite, Cloud’s acting in these protective scenes made Fez equal parts fearsome and incredibly likable.
Fez & Lexi Flirt at the Party (Season 2 Episode 1)
Euphoria‘s most unlikely couple will forever remain our favorite. Fez’s sweetness and genuine desire for connection took center stage when he and Lexi (Maude Apatow) bonded all night at the Season 2 Episode 1 party. Despite his hard life, Fez’s heart was always worn on his sleeve. Based on statements from his friends on the show, that seemed to be one of Cloud’s core traits as well.
Fez Beats Up Nate (Season 2 Episode 1)
Fez took a break from his flirtatious chat with Lexi to make good on his Season 1 promise to Nate (Jacob Elordi). Cloud started this moment off by being cool and collected when initiating conversation with Elordi’s abusive jock. The second Nate showed an ounce of attitude, there’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shift in Cloud’s eyes as Fez prepares to beat him up. Honestly, someone had to do it.
Cal Unknowingly Confesses to Fez (Season 2 Episode 3)
In this painstakingly awkward exchange in the second season, Ashtray has beat up a second Jacobs, Nate’s father, Cal (Eric Dane). Cal admits to his sexual relationship with Jules and that he filmed their meeting. He’s mortified to learn that’s not the information Fez had on him, but Cal’s even more mortified when Fez reveals that Nate is also connected to Jules.
“You’re confused? I’m f***ing confused, bro,” Fez said the more Cal revealed. It wasn’t often that Cloud got to show his comedic chops in this dark show, but oh, was it satisfying when it arrived. Calling Cal and Nate out for their truly gross father-son dynamic is one of the rare laugh-out-loud moments of the series.
Fez & Lexi Watch Stand By Me (Season 2 Episode 6)
Fez’s relationship with Lexi gave him, and viewers by extension, a respite from the heaviness of the series. And given his troubled upbringing that forced him into a life of drug dealing, no one other than Rue deserved gentle moments more than Fez. This date with Lexi was a welcome moment of levity for the character, and like we said before, sweetness was Cloud’s acting sweet spot.
The tenderness deployed by Cloud and Apatow as their characters watched Stand By Me (and sang the song at the end) is one of the series’ best and well-earned moments of levity.
Fez Fights for Ashtray's Life (Season 2 Episode 8)
This is Fez’s most heartbreaking scene bar none. The tragic death of Ashtray was made only more tragic by watching Fez witness the whole thing. Between him begging Ash to come out and surrender and him pleading for mercy before the final shot, Cloud made Fez’s anguish visceral in this gut-wrenching scene, now his last of the series.
We’ll truly miss his presence in Euphoria, but Fez will always be the beating heart of the series.
