Behind the Scenes

Glenn Quinn ~ Actor, Musician

here is never a good time for a loved one to pass away. However, there are worse times. And it cannot get any worse than a month before Christmas, the season of life. To many, Glenn Quinn, 32, with his heavy Irish brogue and ice-blue eyes, is best remembered for his role on the first season of Angel as Allen Francis Doyle, the booze-swiggin' half-demon, who, underneath his shady façade, had the heart of a hero and an undying love for Charisma Carpenter's Cordelia Chase.

Even though he was only on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer spin-off for a mere nine episodes, as well as mentioned in the episodes immediately following Doyle's demise, and made a very brief cameo in the "Birthday" episode of Season 3, Quinn is hardly forgotten. Far from it, actually. Doyle achieved cult-level status throughout the legions of Angel fans. Many fans were outraged at Quinn's departure, something that became the hot topic in chat rooms and forums on the Internet. A heated letter-writing campaign to series creators Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt began, imploring them to bring this beloved character back. Some fans never fully gave up hope that Doyle would eventually return to the series. This dedication and love for the character all stemmed from the charismatic charm and endearing nature that was Quinn himself.

"Not to sound egomaniac or anything, but just to get under people's skin like that, and for them to believe in you and believe strongly enough to write ... it's flattering and it helps you during the day," Quinn said in an interview with The Orange County Register, a California daily newspaper. Following Angel, Quinn played Ben in the 2000 VH1 movie, At Any Cost. It was no coincidence Ben dressed similarly to Doyle, he confessed. "I actually did that as a tribute to [Doyle] and to the many people that were quite fond of him."

Quinn as Allen Francis 'Doyle' with Boreanaz on the TV series Angel

Born May 30, 1970 in Dublin, Ireland, Glenn Martin Christopher Francis Quinn immigrated to the United States when he was 18 in 1988, along with his mother and two sisters. Soon after his arrival in America, he was cast as a pool hustler in the Richard Marx music video, "Satisfied." He made his feature film debut in 1991's Shout, starring opposite John Travolta and Gwyneth Paltrow. In fact, he shared an onscreen kiss with the Academy Award-winning actress. He went on to work with Larry Drake and Charmed's Holly Marie Combs in 1992's Dr. Giggles. Before Angel, he simultaneously starred on the hit sitcom, Roseanne and the short-lived medieval drama, Covington Cross. It was on Roseanne where he became well known for another role, that of the dull-witted yet lovable Mark Healy, Becky's husband.

Ever since he left Angel, while fans held him close to their hearts, Quinn remained close with Angel himself, former co-star David Boreanaz, whom he taught how to play the drums (Quinn played the guitar and drums as well as co-owned a 007-themed nightclub called Goldfingers). "We're brothers 'til the end," he said of Boreanaz in subsequent interviews. The world was much better off for having Glenn Quinn here for such a short period of time; the talented actor entertained many on Tuesday evenings. Now the world is much smaller with his passing, for he is gone. No videos or photographs can even begin to fill the void he has left in his wake. In short, his loss will be irreplaceable. In an ironic twist of life imitating art, Glenn Quinn's passing was similar to Doyle's. Both were very tragic, very unexpected, and all too sudden.

In turn, he will be all too mourned and all too missed. Rest in peace, Glenn Quinn.

"Is that it? Am I done?"
- Doyle, "Hero"

"May you be in Heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead."
- Irish proverb

"Is there beyond the silent night an endless day? Is death a door that leads to light? We cannot say."
- Declaration of the Free

On the behalf of its entire staff, CityofAngel.com extends our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Glenn Quinn.

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