Sydney Sweeney opened up about how she and her Euphoria castmates are still grieving and processing the death of co-star Angus Cloud.
In a new interview with Glamour UK, Sweeney recalled getting the tragic news earlier this year and how she and her co-stars “were constantly on the phone with each other crying, because it was just such a shock.” She added that another wave of grief was likely to hit once production begins on Season Three (Euphoria is expected to return in 2025).
“I don’t think it’ll truly feel real or hit me until we’re filming and I won’t see Angus on set,” Sweeney said, adding: “[At least] when we are filming, all of our eyes are on each other and we’re there for each other, just in a different way than we’re able to when we’re all in very separate places in the world. It’s really interesting when someone passes away in our industry, because they’re still alive in so many forms.”
Sweeney suggested she might still be able to find some relief or solace simply by slipping back into the role of her Euphoria character, Cassie. Sweeney called Cassie “definitely the closest” character she’s played to her real self, adding: “She means a lot to me. But it’s almost like therapy: where I can let out so much… that when I go home, I feel free.”
Cloud, who played Fezco on Euphoria, died at the end of July at the age of 25. A report from the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau said he died of an accidental overdose, noting he had fentanyl, cocaine, benzodiazepine, and methamphetamine in his system. The actor suffered acute intoxication as a result of the lethal combination of drugs.
Following his death, Sweeney shared a tribute on social media, calling Cloud “an open soul, with the kindest heart, and you filled every room with laughter.” Other tributes came in from cast members Maude Apatow, Hunter Schafer, and Zendaya, as well as the show’s creator, Sam Levinson.
Sweeney is currently starring in the rom-com, Anyone But You, opposite Glenn Powell. The film, directed by Will Gluck and written by Ilana Wolpert, hits theaters this Friday, Dec. 22.