Unveiling Angus Cloud's Untold Struggles on Mental Health and Addiction

Rob Latour/Shutterstock

Angus Cloud candidly spoke about his struggles with addiction and mental health before his tragic death.

Cloud's family announced the tragic passing of the actor in July 2023, just one week after he experienced the loss of his father. At the age of 25, Angus left a profound impact on all those who knew him, as he was not only an exceptional artist but also a cherished friend, brother, and son. The statement given to TMZ expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging the immense pain felt by his loved ones. Despite the heartbreak, there is solace in the belief that Angus and his father, who shared an inseparable bond, are now together once more.

Cloud gained recognition for his breakout role as Fezco, a popular character and drug dealer who shares a strong connection with Zendaya's Rue, in the hit series Euphoria. This marked Cloud's television debut, which happened unexpectedly when a casting director approached him on the streets of New York City. Reflecting on his audition experience in a 2019 interview with GQ, Cloud admitted feeling skeptical at first, mistaking it for a scam. However, he successfully portrayed the character by injecting his own authenticity into the lines, making them sound natural and reflective of his own voice.

Despite the hesitancy, Cloud accepted the role and often used his platform to spread awareness for mental health and addiction.

Keep scrolling to see his most candid quotes:

MediaPunch/Shutterstock

The Acting Fatigue

How His ‘Euphoria’ Role Took a Toll

"Acting presents a unique challenge. It involves a different type of intensity, not physical exertion, but rather a mental struggle," he shared with GQ in 2019. "Maintaining focus is crucial. Being fully present is essential. There's no option to take a day off due to illness. Acting is a demanding endeavor that consumes a substantial amount of energy. Despite appearing sedentary, I would often feel emotionally and mentally exhausted while immersing myself in a role."

"Sympathy, you know. Addiction is a serious issue, and many medical professionals classify it as a disease, acknowledging its real impact. Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood. It's easy for people to casually discuss it and say things like, 'Just say no.' However, for an individual trapped in the grip of addiction, abstaining from substance use is incredibly difficult, almost near impossible. They may end up sacrificing their entire life and even succumb to the fatal consequences of this disease, or whatever others may choose to label it. Then, some will argue that it's not a disease because it's a 'choice' to use drugs. But let's consider this: You don't 'choose' to have cancer."

John Salangsang/Shutterstock

The Fezco Comparisons

In a 2022 interview with Variety, he expressed his frustration with people who assume that being himself on camera is effortless. He challenged them to try it themselves, recognizing that there is much more to the character than meets the eye. Ultimately, he emphasized that their perception of the character has no connection to his own identity.

How Fame Affected Him

In a 2022 interview with Interview Magazine, he candidly admitted, "The fact that people know me and recognize my identity really messes with my mind. It's not something I appreciate. I mean, I don't blame them for recognizing me, but I'd rather they didn't. I simply wish to engage in ordinary interactions with others and not be treated as something special."