Zendaya, Sam Levinson Remember Spirit and Struggles of ‘Euphoria’ Star Angus Cloud: ‘I Got to Experience the Most Beautiful Parts of Him’

Angus Clouds family and friends are remembering the spirit of the late Euphoria actor.

I dont think a spirit like his could be defined, Zendaya told Peoples Danielle Bacher in an interview over email. He was one of the most unique and pure-hearted people Ive ever met. I hope he knows how loved he is, how much we miss him and how much better the world is for having felt his glow.

Cloud died on July 31 from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and benzodiazepines, according to the Alameda County Coroners Office.

It was predominantly the central nervous system depressants. It started to slow his heart and slow his breathing, his mother Lisa said. He got tired from lack of oxygen. Everything just slowed down, and eventually his heart stopped and he went to sleep. But he didnt kill himself.

Cloud quickly rose to fame after being handpicked to star as Fez, a lovable drug dealer, on HBOs Euphoria. He starred alongside Zendaya as Rue, a young addict, on the first two seasons of the series.

He felt like a little brother instantly; ironic because we played characters with the exact opposite dynamic, Zendaya said. Im lucky because I got to experience the most beautiful parts of him. I got to watch him create and I got to watch him discover the fact that he was an actor.

Sam Levinson, creator of Euphoria, revealed that Angus was supposed to die at the end of the first season, though he kept his character around because of how much he cared about him.

The first thing I noticed about him was he had those Paul Newman eyesand his audition tape where he said that his name was Angus Cloud and hes five foot 12. It killed me. He was perfect, he said. I was like, Okay, I cant kill him because then what is he to look forward to?'

Levinson shared his multiple attempts at helping Cloud get clean, including several interventions and rehab stints. One day, the Euphoria creator sat with Cloud in his office.

I looked him in the eye and I knew that he wasnt doing well, Levinson recalled. At the same time Ive been in these situations before where youre trying to get someone clean. And I just said to him, I love working with you and weve got this amazing season planned and stuff, but I need you to be sober because I got to be able to rely on you.'

Clouds mother said he was prescribed opioid pain medication after falling into a construction pit and suffering minor brain damage at 15 years old, his first introduction to substances. After another injury cracked the calcaneus of his heel, Lisa thinks thats really what started his drug-seeking behavior. Continuing to battle with addiction issues, Levison suggested rehab and continued to check in with Cloud while he was shooting Season 2 of Euphoria.

I could always feel that he didnt want [sobriety] as much as we all wanted it for him, said Levinson. Thats where it gets tricky because the whole world can want it for you. But he didnt want itBut you cant give up on people. I wasnt going to let anyone give up on him.

I always knew he was special and Im so glad the world also found out he was special, said Lisa. My son will always shine bright.