Andy Hallett, 33, singer known for TV role in 'Angel'

Andy Hallett, a Cape Cod native who gained a cult following with his role as a green-skinned demon karaoke singer in the television series "Angel," died Sunday night at a Los Angeles hospital. He was 33.

Mr. Hallett had called 911 and complained of shortness of breath earlier that day, Ed Winter, spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner, told the Los Angeles Times. He was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:35 p.m. An autopsy is planned. He was diagnosed with heart disease in 2004, said his agent, Pat Brady.

Mr. Hallett grew up in Osterville and graduated from Barnstable High School. He said he loved to sing as a child, but teasing from his friends prompted him to look elsewhere for a career. He studied business and marketing at Assumption College, graduating in 1997.

"The first time I sang out loud in front of other people was in Boston at Harborlights when Patti Labelle was there," he told the Globe in 2000. The singer coaxed a group of guys onto the stage. "I'm this little white boy. I started singing, and we blew the house down. I sang a line and she said, 'This is a white boy with soul.' "

When he received applause and requests for photographs, he realized that "It was really a life-changing experience," he told the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

He headed to California with a friend and "not many intentions," he said. After stints as a runner for an agency, a property manager, and a personal assistant, he got his break. He was singing in a blues revue when he was spotted by Joss Whedon, creator and writer of the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" show. Mr. Hallett was cast in the Buffy spinoff "Angel" as the host of a karaoke bar who can read the souls of karaoke singers and who moonlights as a detective.

"He's a Dean Martin-y lounge lizard, smarmy in a suit jacket, very flamboyant," Mr. Hallett told the Globe. "But he's a good demon."

He was in 76 episodes of the show, which ended in 2004, and he sang in six.

Mr. Hallett leaves his father, Dave, and his mother, Lori.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this obituary.