Sam Levinson Strives Intensely to Help Angus Cloud Stay Clean
Sam Levinson, the creator of HBO’s hit series *Euphoria*, recently opened up about his deep grief following the loss of actor Angus Cloud. Cloud tragically passed away in 2023 at the age of 25 due to a drug overdose. He portrayed the complex character Fezco, a drug dealer, on the show.
The news of Cloud’s death left a profound impact not only on his fans but also on his colleagues within the industry. His family revealed that he turned to drugs amid the grief of losing his father to cancer shortly before his own tragic fate. In remembrance of his struggles, Levinson discussed his efforts to support Cloud in maintaining sobriety.
Levinson’s Commitment to Helping Angus Cloud
In a recent interview with *The New York Times*, Levinson expressed his heartfelt emotions about Cloud, stating, “I really loved him a lot, and I fought really hard to keep him clean.” He candidly reflected on the challenges of addiction, saying, “I could always feel that he didn’t want [sobriety] as much as we all wanted it for him.” This sentiment highlights the complex nature of addiction, where desire for help must come from within.
Acknowledging Other Struggles
Levinson also referenced fellow cast member Dominic Fike, who has openly discussed his own struggles while filming. Providing robust support to cast members is essential, but Levinson acknowledged the balancing act between creativity and responsibility. He noted, “There’s also financial responsibilities. I have to deliver the show, but I wanted to make sure that the cast was safe and healthy.”
Character Development and Storytelling
Cloud’s character, Fezco, was nearly written off in the first season, but Levinson decided against it. He felt it was important for Cloud to have something to strive for. “I wanted him to have something to hold onto, a tangible goal for the future,” Levinson stated. This decision reflects the profound connection Levinson felt toward Cloud and emphasizes the role of hope in battling personal demons.
The Impact of Loss on Creativity
Levinson admitted that the news of Cloud’s passing affected him intensely. He expressed anger over the circumstances surrounding it, particularly the issue of fentanyl. “Losing him made me sit down and think, what story do I really want to tell? What matters in life?” This contemplation significantly influenced the direction of the third season of *Euphoria*.
The highly anticipated third season of *Euphoria* is set to premiere on April 12, 2026. As Levinson navigates through his grief and the challenges of storytelling, he aims to honor Cloud’s legacy and the realities of addiction.
