Angus Cloud, the enigmatic talent best known for his role in HBO's "Euphoria", left us all too soon. His untimely departure shocked fans and colleagues, and the flood of grief and love in response is a testament to his significant influence in the entertainment realm. Here, we journey through key moments of Angus Cloud's life and career, paying tribute to a young actor whose journey was tragically cut short.
Early Life: An Oakland Original
Born Conor Angus Cloud Hickey in Oakland, California, on July 10, 1998, Angus shared a close bond with his family, the majority of whom resided in Ireland. As the eldest among his siblings, he always exuded a protective aura towards his younger twin sisters.
Intriguingly, while attending the School of Production Design at Oakland School for the Arts, he crossed paths with his future "Euphoria" co-star, Zendaya. Angus's early years were not without challenges, notably a teenage accident that resulted in minor brain damage, leaving him with a distinct scar.
An Unexpected Career Path: From Restaurant to Stardom
Not everyone starts with a clear path, and Angus's initiation into acting was anything but orthodox. Discovered while working at Woodlands restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, by "Euphoria's" casting director, Jennifer Venditti, he was initially sceptical, thinking it was a scam.
As destiny would dictate, he secured the role of Fezco, which catapulted him to stardom. Before "Euphoria", his brush with acting was limited to participation in his school's theatre department, predominantly behind the scenes.
Euphoria: The Game Changer
Through his portrayal of Fezco "Fez" O'Neill in "Euphoria", Angus became a familiar face in many households. The series celebrated for its unfiltered portrayal of teenage life, spotlighted Cloud's character, leading to substantial popularity. His genuine and powerful performance even convinced the showrunners to expand his character's role in the second season.
Beyond Euphoria: Exploring New Horizons
Although "Euphoria" was pivotal in Angus's career, he didn't restrict himself to it. He ventured into roles in indie films like "North Hollywood" and "The Line", and had signed up for "Freaky Tales", which will now be released posthumously. Additionally, Angus appeared in music videos alongside artists like Noah Cyrus, Juice WRLD, Becky G, and Karol G.
Achievements: Making a Mark
In a short span, Angus Cloud's role in "Euphoria" earned him acclaim as a breakout star by major publications, including The Hollywood Reporter. Despite never having harboured dreams of becoming an actor, Angus's sincere performances captivated many, from co-stars to ardent fans.
Personal Struggles and Legacy: More than Just an Actor
Cloud's premature death occurred amidst personal struggles, notably the recent demise of his father which profoundly impacted him. Mental health issues loomed large, especially in the wake of his father's passing. Amidst these challenges, Angus's family has emphasized the critical nature of understanding and addressing mental health, with hopes that his story might motivate others to reach out when in need.
Tributes: The World Remembers
In the wake of his death, tributes flowed from all directions. Co-stars, political dignitaries, and fans shared their sorrow. California Congresswoman Barbara Lee labelled him "Oakland's own", while actress Kerry Washington conveyed heartfelt condolences. His "Euphoria" colleague, Javon "Wanna" Walton, expressed, "Rest easy, brother."
Conclusion
Angus Cloud's brief life has left a profound imprint on Hollywood. His genuine talent, authenticity, and raw vulnerability, both on-screen and off, will forever be remembered by those who knew him and the countless others who admired his work. Rest in power, Angus.
Test your knowledge of Hollywood. Visit: https://www.quizzop.com/hollywood-quiz/category
