Andy Hallett as Lorne. Photo copyright of The WB Network.
In today's Sci-Fi Blast From The Past, the late Andy Hallett reveals how he was cast as Lorne in Joss Whedon's Angel.
It’s said by many that the eyes are the windows to the soul. However, for Angel’s Lorne, the vocal cords are what truly give you insight into a person. The green-skinned, red-horned demon is able to read peoples’ auras while they sing. Then, much like a demon therapist, he can advise and guide him or her towards their destined path.
In recent years, Lorne has put his talents to good use as one of the demon-fighting team of Angel Investigations. The man behind his green tinge is the talented actor and singer Andy Hallett. A native of the small Cape Cod town of Osterville, Massachusetts, the gregarious Hallett used to be, believe it or not, shy. That all changed the day Patti LaBelle invited him up onstage to sing during a concert in Boston. This gave him the courage to pursue a career in professional entertainment. Hallett eventually moved to Los Angeles where he worked at various jobs before getting his big break on Angel.
“I actually went to Barnstable High School with Joss Whedon’s [Angel creator and executive producer] sister-in-law Dawn,” notes Hallett. “We were really good friends in school and she later moved to Los Angeles. Not long after I got out there I gave her a call. The two of us started hanging out again and were having such a good time that we eventually decided to share an apartment. It was though Dawn that I got to know Joss.
“One night I took him and some of the Buffy writers to this scandalous karaoke bar in Hollywood. It wasn’t your typical karaoke bar where some sloshed old geezer is in the background singing New York, New York,” he chuckles. “This place was filled with people from all walks of life and if you sang you werethe live entertainment. We went there every Friday for at least two years and it became a bit of a tradition with us. On this one particular night I was up onstage singing and all this outrageous stuff was going on around me. I’m not sure but I think this may have inspired Joss because months later he said to me, “I’ve got this idea for a karaoke-singing demon on Angel and I’d like you to read for the part.”
After two or three auditions, Hallet beat out the competition and won the role. Originally named The Host, his character starts out as the owner of Caritas, a demon/human karaoke bar and sanctuary. He makes his debut in the second season Angel episode Judgment. In it, Angel (David Boreanaz) mistakenly slays a demon who was protecting an innocent girl. Lorne is the only one who can help the vampire deal with his guilt, but before he can do so Angel must first perform a little karaoke. Although it was Hallett’s first time playing The Host, he immediately felt at home in the role.
“I’ve been asked by people how much of me is in Lorne and, you know what, there’s quite a bit. Pretty scary, huh,” laughs the actor. “Except for the suits and the real over-the-top flamboyancy we’re pretty much alike. I think I most identified with my character when he was running the bar, and by that I mean Lorne and I like to talk with people and work the room if you will. I used to do that back in high school. We had a huge cafeteria and I’d make the rounds every day. God forbid I just sat down and ate my lunch. So Lorne and I are very social people. Then, of course, there’s my singing, which Joss incorporated into my character.
“Joss and the show’s writers have also tapped into my sarcastic streak, and I love that,” continues Hallett. “Of all the regular characters, Lorne probably feels the most comfortable being a wise-ass to Angel. I mean, Angel tends to be broody and so forth and that’s not really Lorne’s style. So I get a kick out of it when he says something silly or makes a wise crack to Angel. It’s fun to play that part of Lorne, which, again, is not unlike me off-screen. That said, David and I get along very well, as do all the castmembers. We’ve grown closer to one another over the years and I think that shows when we’re together on-camera.”
Andy Hallett sans his Lorne make-up. Photo copyright of Associated Press.
Steve Eramo
As noted above, photos copyright of The WB or Associated Press, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!
just wanted u to know that i love your show. I watch it everyday. love you guys!!!!
Posted by: christal cobern | 01/25/2011 at 02:20 AM