Euphoria fans were heartbroken when Angus Cloud died in 2023 from an accidental overdose. So when Fez unexpectedly appeared in the series finale, it became one of the most emotional moments of the night.
© HBOUsing never-before-seen footage, Fez had a brief but emotional scene that instantly became one of the most talked-about moments online. While fans mourned his passing, no one can understand the pain that came with death like family. After it aired, Angus' mom, Lisa Cloud, revealed she was watching right along with everyone else.
"The massive public emotional outpouring on social media honoring my beloved son's beautiful soul says everything," she told TMZ.
© Cloud family per PEOPLELisa didn't find out until she watched the episode. She told the outlet she learned Cloud would appear in the finale at the same time fans did, but she had trust in Sam Levinson and had a feeling he might find a way to include him.
Fez was never supposed to become one of Euphoria's most beloved characters. Angus wasn't a trained actor when he landed the role after being discovered by a casting scout on the street. What started as a supporting role quickly turned Fez into a fan favorite.
© GettyHow Fez returned one last time
© HBOIn the finale, Rue, played by Zendaya, overdoses and experiences a dreamlike/hallucination sequence where she reunites with Fez. Fans took to social media with theories they created using CGI or a body double, but Levinson explained that they used footage of Angus filmed during season one that had never made it into the series.
"It's footage that never made it into the show," Levinson told Esquire. "I thought it'd be great to use that footage and just see him again—and see the two of them."
Sam Levinson rewrote the season after Angus died
© Jeff KravitzLevinson has been open about the fact that Angus' death changed the direction of Euphoria. Speaking after the finale, he reflected on the loss and why it felt important to bring Fez back one last time. "Angus didn't make it in real life, so at least in the made-up world of Euphoria, he's still alive," Levinson said during a finale event.
The scene hit especially hard because Fez was one of the show's most beloved characters. Instead of killing Fez off, the show revealed he was serving a lengthy prison sentence after season two.
"It just felt like the honest ending. The honest ending is that people like Rue don't make it," he said. "People relapse. They f--- up. They're not ready to get clean. And they weren't dying like they are now, with the influx of fentanyl into this country." "I can say with absolute certainty that if I was going through what I went through when I was younger now, I wouldn't be here either. There's no reason to sugarcoat it. I wanted to tell this story for Angus and for people who weren't granted a second chance."
He also called Angus someone who "deserved more time, a longer, fuller life."
Angus' passing
© GettyWhen Angus died in 2023, his family revealed he had been struggling following the death of his father just days earlier.
"Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss," the family said in a statement at the time. "The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend."
The statement also noted that Angus had been open about his mental health struggles and expressed hope that others facing similar battles would seek support.
Before becoming one of television's breakout stars, Angus was famously discovered by a casting scout while walking in New York. He went on to star as Fezco from 2019 to 2022, becoming one of Euphoria's most beloved characters.
