Andy Hallett, "Angel" Actor, Dies At 33

LOS ANGELES — Andy Hallett, who made his mark playing green-skinned, good-guy demon Lorne on the TV series "Angel," has died of congestive heart disease. Hallett was 33.

Hallett was taken by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after having problems breathing and died there Sunday, following a five-year battle with the heart condition, his agent Pat Brady said Tuesday.

His father, Dave Hallett, was by his side.

"Andy was the all-American boy from Massachusetts," Brady said. "He was a hoot. He was comfortable wherever he went. Girls loved him. He was a very gregarious, happy young man."

Born and raised in Osterville, Mass., Hallett moved out to Los Angeles when he was 23 and worked as a messenger at a talent agency, said Brady.

He went on to become an assistant to Joss Whedon's wife, Brady said. It was when Whedon saw the lanky Hallett perform karaoke that he had him audition for "Angel," a spinoff of Whedon's hit series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Hallett snagged the part of Lorne.

Hallett proved himself a fan favorite on "Angel" as the show tune loving, red horned demon seer who runs the karaoke club Caritas and can read a person's aura when they sing, revealing their problems and futures.

The series, starring David Boreanaz as the brooding vampire Angel, ran for five seasons on the WB network before it was canceled, ending in 2004.

Hallett was diagnosed with his heart condition at the end of the show, said Brady, and had been in and out of hospitals for the past five years. He decided to concentrate on his own music, stepping away from acting.

Hallett, an only child, is survived by his father Dave Hallett and mother Lori Hallett.

Comments

[cobraxus]

The thing I loved best about Andy Hallet's performance was that you never saw a guy in make-up pretending to be a demon.He was Lorne aka The Host a flirty wise lovable funny but serious guy who cared about people.While he will no doubt be missed by those who knew him Andy Hallet will live forever on the series "Angel" and future generation will continue to enjoy his excellent work.

[Tyrione]

RIP: You had one helluva a range and the comedic natural ease that made the sarcasm just flow from the demon horns. If only we had such "heroes, " eh?

[Chirp]

I watched dvds of that show through a bad period of my life. Great escapist fun. He was so good in it! I had no idea he was so young with all of that makeup and he played much more mature.

So sad.

[Soundofthunder]

He was an integral part of what made "Angel" a uniquely entertaining experience each and every week. While it's sad he died at such a young age, he leaves behind a noteworthy television legacy, and that's something.

SOT

[ReesieKitty]

How sad- we must all return to our homeworld and do the Dance of Mourning. What a shame...

[Solstice1221]

When I read this I was stunned. I was a big Buffy/Angel fan and still read the comic books, where Lorn plays a big part as "The Duke of Silverlake." RIP Andy.

[Jinxykb]

What a sad story. He was really wonderful on Angel. :(

[tantan75]

The episode of Angel that focused on his character is one of my favorites. He was always great. It's kinda weird to see him out of make-up, but I'm glad I got to see that he was a good-looking guy.

[officefan]

I had the pleasure of working with Andy, and he was such a wonderful person. He had an infectious laugh, he treated everyone with kindness and respect, and he didn't take himself or his success too seriously. You forgot when you were around him how tall and handsome he was because he never carried himself as someone expected to be treated as such.

I am so sad today to read this and send his family and close friends my deepest sympathy.
I know from being around him that he was a real light and very easy to love. My heart goes out to them for this great loss at such a young age.

[DrVandy]

I loved the episodes where they went to his home universe and his home family hated him. Hilarious, especially when they decided to make Cordelia a Queen.

[Cheryl731948]

My whole family love the Host. Our condolences to his family.

[kate99]

damn I am in shock at this I loved him in angel still wish they had not took it off air

rip andy you will be missed

[DrJohnnySkeptic]

He was great on "Angel". He was so talented and funny, always with charisma, like Lorne, his character.

He will be missed.

[FanofPaine]

He was my favorite character on that show. Sadness.

[Teddysmom]

It was very sad to read of Andy's passing. May he rest in peace.

And, gloriousbeing, you are the only other person I've ever found that, like myself, prefers Angel reruns to the craptastic Morning Joe.

[Biscuit]

Here's another one. One of my favorite shows, and the Host was an integral part of it.

[Tyrione]

You're not alone. I'm watching those back-to-back every week day. We got screwed out of a few seasons, if you ask me.

[KatDawgATL]

"Angel" was a very under-appreciated show, I enjoyed his character very much.

R.I.P.

[viewfromuphere]

couldn't agree more on both..

godspeed Andy Halliet AKA Lorne

[gloriousbeing]

I am so sad about this! He was a wonderful actor and brought such a beautiful sense of humanity to his role as Lorne. Great singing voice as well! I was just watching him on Angel this morning (so much better to watch demons on Angel than on Morning Joe!).
My condolences to his family and friends.