Angus Cloud's Impact on Euphoria Season 3: A Tribute to the Late Actor

The Unseen Role of Art in Redemption: Reflecting on Angus Cloud and Euphoria

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:21pm

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and glittering sequins, capturing the fragility and high-stakes nature of the entertainment industry.The tragic loss of Angus Cloud casts a bittersweet shadow over the glitz and glamour of Euphoria's third season, a poignant reminder of the industry's unseen emotional toll.Today in Pittsburgh

The recent revelations about Angus Cloud's role in Euphoria's third season—before his untimely death from a fentanyl overdose in July 2023—offer a poignant glimpse into how storytelling can become a lifeline, both for the creator and the character. Showrunner Sam Levinson's decision to center Season 3 around Fezco, Cloud's character, was an act of care, as he tried to give Cloud something to hold onto and a reason to stay sober.

Why it matters

This story highlights the often unseen emotional labor that goes into creating art. Levinson's efforts to keep Cloud sober weren't just about preserving the show's integrity; they were about preserving a life. It forces us to confront the ethical dilemmas of storytelling and the relationship between creators and their muses.

The details

Levinson revealed that he'd written a version of the season before the WGA strike, where Fezco's arc was designed to keep Cloud grounded. Levinson even encouraged Cloud to get in shape for the role, framing it as a tangible goal. After Cloud's death, Levinson rewrote Season 3 to keep Fezco alive, not just as a plot point, but as a tribute.

  • In Season 1, Fezco was supposed to die, but Levinson couldn't bring himself to do it.
  • By Season 2, Levinson again considered killing off Fezco, but he couldn't go through with it.
  • After Cloud's death in July 2023, Levinson rewrote Season 3 to keep Fezco alive.

The players

Sam Levinson

The showrunner of Euphoria, who made the decision to center Season 3 around Fezco, Angus Cloud's character, as an act of care to keep Cloud grounded.

Angus Cloud

The late actor who played Fezco on Euphoria, and whose struggles with addiction and untimely death in 2023 impacted the show's narrative.

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What they’re saying

“I fought hard to keep them clean.”

— Sam Levinson, Euphoria showrunner

What’s next

Euphoria's third season, which will pay tribute to Angus Cloud, is eagerly anticipated by fans.

The takeaway

This story highlights the profound connection between art and life, and the responsibility creators have in shaping narratives that can impact the real world. It's a sobering reminder that even the most well-intentioned efforts can't always control the chaos of reality.