Andy Hallett, Lorne from "Angel," dies at 33

"'I think a lot of people would choose to be green. Your shade, if they had the choice.'"

In a post yesterday, I gave a brief explanation of why "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" spinoff "Angel" was a great, multilayered show. But now one of those layers is gone. Andy Hallett, who played friendly, green demon Lorne, died Sunday night of heart failure. He was 33 years old.

Lorne was easily my favorite character on "Angel," as most comic relief characters tend to be. He was introduced in the first episode of the second season, an "empath demon" who could read your thoughts, determine if you were telling the truth -- even see into your future -- just by hearing you sing. As the owner of a demon-frequented nightclub/karaoke bar, he became a source of guidance and comfort. (The fact that his own high, nasally singing voice bordered on grating did little to break his calming effect. It did grow on you after a while, though.)

He evolved from supporting player to full member of Angel Investigations as the series grew, always quick with a quip or ready with a cocktail. He was the happy center of a turbulent universe, making his final scene in the series finale (I'm glad Ms. Quarter has finished watching now, so I don't feel bad writing about this) that much more poignant and heartbreaking.

Apart from "Angel," Hallett didn't have much of a acting career. The odd low-budget movie, or TV spot. Mostly, according to this writeup of his passing at E!, he focused on his music, playing a few shows here and there.

It's a sad day for "Angel" fans. Let's all raise a Sea Breeze in Hallett's honor.





-- Adam Reinhard, areinhard@greenbaypressgazette.com