In Memoriam: Andrew Alcott Hallett, 1975-2009

The second shocking death of a genre star this month has occurred, and I thank kradical for passing along the news: Andy Hallett, best known as the benevolent, show-biz-besotted demon Krevlornswath of the Deathwok Clan ("Lorne" or "the Host" for short) on the now-defunct television series Angel, died yesterday in Los Angeles at the age of only 33 after a prolonged battle with heart disease. The full story is here. (Jesus H. Frigging Christ on a pony, the guy was over a decade younger than me!)

Especially coming on the heels of Natasha Richardson's untimely demise at 45 last week, this is news nobody needed. I never had the good fortune to meet Andy in person myself, but by all accounts he was every bit as much of a sweetheart to the fans as his character. Playing Lorne was his first-ever acting job, and he got it because Angel co-creator Joss Whedon saw him singing in a revue at the studio. Sadly, now we'll never get to see what else he might have brought us of his talents.