His name isn’t one you may know. His resume isn’t packed with top roles . He hasn’t won all kinds of awards. But when it comes to Andy Hallett, he is a man that has a big place in the hearts of geeks everywhere. Hallett is known for his work as the funny and lovable demon known as Lorne or The Host on the popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer spin-off — Angel. Hallett passed away on March 29, 2009 due to heart failure after a five-year battle with heart disease.
Even those who were simply only familiar with Angel, and who maybe saw an episode or two would have no problem identifying the green-skinned demon who was always wildly dressed in brightly colored suits. But those who knew and loved the show: those are the people that know that the heart that Andy Hallett brought to this character shined through in every one of the 76 episodes he appeared in.
Show creator Joss Whedon saw Hallett singing at a blues club, which is when the idea for the character of Lorne came to him. Whedon was kind enough to invite the man who inspired the character to audition, and as fate would have it, he got the part. Seeing as how he was a singer and an actor, Hallett was even able to record some songs for the show’s soundtrack.
Andy Hallett was born near Cape Cod in a little town called Osterville, MA. He passed away at an L.A. hospital with his father by his side.
Andy Hallett 1975 — 2009
[Source: E! Online]
Such a loss. He was a really talented guy. Lorne was always my favorite character on Angel–a good-guy demon with no trace of cynicism.
This news shocked me so much. I love the guy. My condolences to his family and friends. May his beautiful soul rest in peace.
I am saddened, but I thought he’s been dead for atleast a year. Weird.
This is so very sad… I got the chance to meet him at an Angel convention in London back in 2004 and he was one of the kindest, funniest men I’d ever met. He was a very talented actor and will be truly missed.
Agree with TM, Lorne was my favorite character on Angel. Andy did such a good job with that character. He will definitely be missed by a legion of fans.