Andy Hallett, 33, singer known for TV role in 'Angel'

[Patiod]

Source: Boston Globe

Andy Hallett, a Cape Cod native who gained a cult following with his role as a green-skinned demon karaoke singer in the television series "Angel," died Sunday night at a Los Angeles hospital. He was 33.

Mr. Hallett had called 911 and complained of shortness of breath earlier that day, Ed Winter, spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner, told the Los Angeles Times. He was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:35 p.m. An autopsy is planned. He was diagnosed with heart disease in 2004, said his agent, Pat Brady.

He headed to California with a friend and "not many intentions," he said. After stints as a runner for an agency, a property manager, and a personal assistant, he got his break. He was singing in a blues revue when he was spotted by Joss Whedon, creator and writer of the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" show. Mr. Hallett was cast in the Buffy spinoff "Angel" as the host of a karaoke bar who can read the souls of karaoke singers and who moonlights as a detective.

"He's a Dean Martin-y lounge lizard, smarmy in a suit jacket, very flamboyant," Mr. Hallett told the Globe. "But he's a good demon." He was in 76 episodes of the show, which ended in 2004, and he sang in six.


Read more: http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2009/04/01/andy_hallett_33_singer_known_for_tv_role_in_angel/

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This is sad news to any of us who enjoyed "Angel" - he quite literally made the show. Some of the other obituries note that the show was struggling with the balance of light and dark, and really hit its stride when it found its comic relief in Hallett's character.

My SO and I were huge fans of his, and loved the epidsodes he was in. What a great talent - most actors twice his age never get such a fun or juicy role in their whole lives.

Here's his character, "Lorne"

[xchrom]

1. 33 -- may Peace be with his family and friends. nt

[WriteDown]

2. One of my favorite shows of all time .

Damn.

[Patiod]

3. There aren't many shows I look forward to like Buffy & Angel

Buffy actually made Tuesday the highlight of the week

The Angel episdoes with Lorne were matched only by the episode where everyone was turned into muppets....

[WriteDown]

4. Probably one of the best show endings ever...

I've rarely seen a show end so appropriately.

[theblasmo]

5. Definitely and SPOILER ALERT!

And Lorne's exit from the series is one of the saddest things ever. When he tells Angel not to contact him ever again, you know that he's about to do something that is completely against his principles, but will do it anyway because he knows he has to. And a great last line, given the context.


Spoiler Follows.




Lindsey McDonald: *You* kill me?

Lindsey McDonald: A flunky? I'm not just- Angel kills me. You- Angel...

Lorne: Good night, folks.

[Tiggeroshii]

8. That was definitely epic

[Bluenorthwest]

6. Sad freaking news

A huge talent. I am glad he got to play Lorne before he had to go. He owned that show every second he was on screen.

[BattyDem]

7. NO!

Oh damn ... I loved him as Lorne! I enjoyed "Angel" a lot, but the show was always much better when Lorne was on. I was always hoping he would show up on another Joss Whedon show.

I'm so sorry for his family and friends. He will be missed. :cry:

Andy with and without the "Lorne" makeup:

.....

[myrna minx]

9. Oh no. That's really sad. I loved him as Lorne. Rip...

[KakistocracyHater]

10. that is so sad & he was too young!

heart disease that early in life?

[The Traveler]

11. Oh crap

One of my favorite characters ... the light hearted voice of decency. This is really sad news.

Trav