The creator of Euphoria Sam Levinson spoke about the death of the young actor and his experience trying to help him overcome his drug problems.
Following the tragic confirmation of the death of talented actor Angus Cloud due to an accidental overdose, it is revealed that the young artist fought tirelessly against addiction for several years. People magazine spoke with family and close friends of the actor, who revealed his long struggle with drugs.
The director and screenwriter of Euphoria, Sam Levinson, spared no effort to help Angus Cloud in his fight against addiction. After noticing that the actor was visibly affected during the filming of the first season, Levinson took decisive action.
Levinson recounted, "I looked him in the eyes and I knew he wasn't doing well... I need you to be sober because I have to be able to trust you." This led to an intervention being organized and Angus entering a 30-day rehabilitation program, funded by HBO. However, despite the efforts, improvements were few. Levinson shared his challenge by saying, "I could always sense that he didn't want [sobriety] as much as we all wanted it for him."
Despite setbacks and difficulties, Levinson remained steadfast in his support, commenting, "I'm not going to let anyone give up on him." Angus Cloud got a second chance at rehab after relapsing during the filming of the show's second season.
Cloud himself found similarities between his life and the character of Rue, played by Zendaya in the series. According to Levinson, the actor said, "Oh shit, I feel like Rue." Levinson responded by recalling a key moment from the series and urged him to stay on the road to recovery.
Sam Levinson was delighted with Angus Cloud's performance
Although Angus Cloud unexpectedly landed the role of Fezco in Euphoria, his performance deeply impressed Levinson. The character of Fezco, originally destined to die at the end of the first season, became a fundamental pillar of the plot thanks to the talent of the actor.
Levinson shared his excitement in communicating the decision to keep Angus on the show, describing how the actor reacted enthusiastically to the news. Levinson reflected on the show's importance in the actor's life and how it provided him with a sense of purpose and belonging.
“I think the hardest thing is when you have addiction problems: it's about finding your purpose and the meaning of life. All I knew was that he loved doing this show. He loved the team. He loved actors. And I came to think: if this disappears, I don't know what will happen in his life.
After filming the season was completed, Levinson worked to ensure that Angus Cloud remained healthy and they had conversations about possibly involving him in future episodes of the show. Levinson remembered Cloud's response at that moment: "No, don't worry. I'm fine." However, Levinson noted that at the time, the actor seemed disinterested and uncommitted to moving forward. With great sadness, weeks later, on July 31, Cloud passed away at his family home in Oakland.
