by Joe Reid

Leading a post with "Sad news for Joss Whedon fans" is usually a harbinger for the latest on the programming woes of a low-rated cult series. (Viz: Whedon's currently struggling Dollhouse.)

Sadly, today that preface has to accompany the news that former Angel star Andy Hallett passed away Sunday of congestive heart disease. He was 33.

Andy Hallett's contributions to Angel, and where to find some of his best work, after the jump...

Hallett was beloved by Angel fans, not least for taking his role — that of an unnamed green-faced demon with a penchant for karaoke and mind-reading — and running with it.

The actor's gift for a quip endeared his character (known as "The Host" in early episodes) to fans, as did his killer singing voice, which was indulged via Angel's frequent trips to the karaoke bar. Hallett even performed "Lady Marmalade" and "It's Not Easy Being Green" on the Angel soundtrack album.

As Hallett's character grew more popular, he got a name (Lorne), an opening-title credit, and ultimately, a sizable send-off (in the ambiguous series finale, Lorne got to do a little killing before striding off into a dark alley).

Soon after sending Lorne off on that high note in 2004, Hallett was hospitalized for cardiomyopathy, which led to the five-year battle with congestive heart disease that ended Sunday night.

Whedon fans, fiercely loyal to their favorite characters and actors as a rule, are going to feel this one for a while. If you're looking to delve into your Angel DVDs for a remembrance, check out the episodes at the end of Season 2. The oft-maligned "Pylea arc" was brightened considerably by a look into Lorne's backstory, as the gang traveled to his home world.

Of course, you can't go wrong just listening to that siren of a voice, either.

categories: Obits, Television

2:45 - March 31, 2009

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