skip to main content

Zendaya salutes 'light, love and joy' of the late Angus Cloud

Zendaya and Angus Cloud at the Vanity Fair Oscars party in Beverly Hills in March 2022
Zendaya and Angus Cloud at the Vanity Fair Oscars party in Beverly Hills in March 2022

Zendaya has said she will remember her late Euphoria co-star Angus Cloud "for all of the boundless light, love and joy he always managed to give us".

The rising Irish-American star, whose full name was Conor Angus Cloud Hickey, died on Monday at the age of 25.

He was best known for his role as the drug dealer Fezco O'Neill opposite Zendaya in Euphoria.

In a tribute posted to Instagram, the American actress, who plays Rue in the popular HBO series, said: "Words are not enough to describe the infinite beauty that is Angus (Conor).

"I'm so grateful I got the chance to know him in this life, to call him a brother, to see his warm kind eyes and bright smile, or hear his infectious cackle of a laugh (I'm smiling now just thinking of it).

"I know people use this expression often when talking about folks they love...'they could light up any room they entered' but boy let me tell you, he was the best at it.

"I'd like to remember him that way. For all of the boundless light, love and joy he always managed to give us. I'll cherish every moment."

She added: "My heart is with his mother and family at this time and please be kind and patient as grief looks different for everyone."

Zendaya's was one of many tributes paid to her "immensely talented" Euphoria co-star following his death.

Sydney Sweeney, who plays Cassie in Euphoria, said Cloud was "an open soul, with the kindest heart" who "filled every room with laughter".

In her own Instagram tribute, she wrote: "This is the hardest thing I've ever had to post, and I'm struggling to find all the words.

"You will be missed more than you know, but I'm so blessed to have known you in this lifetime, and I'm sure everyone who has ever met you feels the same.

"This heartache is real and I wish we could've had one more hug and 711 run. All my love is with you."

HBO said in a statement: "We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud.

"He was immensely talented and a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family. We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time."

Cloud was one of the breakout stars of Euphoria, appearing in both series of the Sam Levinson-directed drama alongside Zendaya, Sweeney and Jacob Elordi.

His character was most often in scenes alongside his onscreen partner in crime Ashtray, played by Javon Walton.

Sharing a picture of the pair on Instagram, Walton wrote: "Rest easy brother" and later "forever family".

Meanwhile, Kathrine Narducci, who played Cloud's onscreen grandmother Marie O'Neill on Euphoria, described him as a "gentle beautiful soul" who "exited too soon" on Twitter.

Storm Reid, who plays Zendaya's onscreen younger sister Gia Bennett, shared a clip of Cloud laughing on the show to her Instagram story, captioning it: "The tears just won't stop."

Euphoria cast and crew (l-r): Colman Domingo, Eric Dane, Zendaya, Sam Levinson, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Dominic Fike, Maude Apatow, Austin Abrams and Angus Cloud at the season two photocall in Los Angeles in January 2022

Alexa Demie, who plays Maddy Perez, posted a heartbreak emoji on her Instagram story.

Canadian rapper Drake, who serves as executive producer on Euphoria, shared a picture of Cloud on his Instagram story, captioning it "Good soul", alongside a sad face emoji and a white dove.

In a statement, Euphoria director Levinson said: "There was no one quite like Angus. He was too special, too talented and way too young to leave us so soon.

"He also struggled, like many of us, with addiction and depression. I hope he knew how many hearts he touched.

"I loved him. I always will. Rest in peace and God Bless his family."

The acting world was left reeling following the news of Cloud's death, including West Side Story's Rachel Zegler.

The American actress tweeted: "Please remember how loved you are. This world is so quick to make you feel otherwise.

"There are reasons to stick around. And this world needs you.

"Oh, Angus. we celebrate you."

Javon Walton and Angus Cloud

Scandal star Kerry Washington told Cloud to "rest in power" on Twitter, adding: "You will be deeply missed."

British model and actress Suki Waterhouse said she was "heartbroken" following the news.

US model Gigi Hadid also remembered Cloud after they starred together in a 2022 Christmas campaign for Ralph Lauren Fragrances.

Sharing a clip of the pair dancing for the campaign on her Instagram story, Hadid wrote: "Just saw the news about the loss of Angus.

"I only got to work with him a couple of times, but I was immediately drawn to his kind, gentle spirit."

Cloud was offered a part in Euphoria after a casting scout spotted him in a New York street.

He was reportedly resistant at first, suspecting a scam, but then met casting director Jennifer Venditti, as well as Levinson, and accepted the role.

The actor later pushed back against suggestions playing his character was "easy" because of similarities they shared.

"It does bother me when people are like, 'It must be so easy! You get to go in and be yourself'. I'm like, 'Why don't you go and do that?’ It's not that simple," he told US publication Variety.

"I brought a lot to the character. You can believe what you want. It ain't got nothing to do with me."

Cloud was recently cast to co-star in Scream 6.

In a statement shared with US outlets on Monday, Cloud's family said they hoped he would be remembered "for his humour, laughter and love".

"Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss," the family said.

"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."

"We hope the world remembers him for his humour, laughter and love for everyone," his family added.

Source: Press Association

Read Next