Mighty Glenn Quinn

Angel's Glenn Quinn shares his thoughts on Doyle, acting, and the luck of the Irish

by Linda Lishings

Night and day.

That's how Glenn Quinn describes the last six months of his life as he makes the transition into the limelight of Angel, the highly anticipated drama from Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon.

The metaphor is also appropriate considering the rigorous shooting schedule and the fifteen-hour days required each day of the week while filming an episode.

On a recent visit to the Angel set in Hollywood, the cast and crew appeared to be in good spirits. The martini shot (the final shot of the day) was tracking ahead of schedule. Everyone was looking forward to wrapping -- at midnight.

During the lunch break, which usually occurs around 5pm, the production team gathers to celebrate a staff member's birthday.

A shrieking whistle bellows through the soundstage. An Irish voice echoes.

It is the voice of Glenn Quinn. "Hey y'bullocks!", he shouts.

Quinn, who plays the mysterious Doyle on Angel, shares in the camaraderie of this close-knit crew as they break into song.

"Everyone has been great," Quinn notes. "The chemistry is very good. David (Boreanaz) and I bounce off each other really well. I've done a lot of stuff with Charisma lately and she's terrific."

Usually, it takes months, sometimes years for a cast to gel. Angel, after shooting only four episodes appears to have found that groove.

Quinn first read for creator Joss Whedon earlier this year in February. After Roseanne ended, he took some well deserved time off in his native Ireland. Quinn appeared in a few independent films, then began looking for something steady.

Along came Angel.

"The Doyle character reminded me of the Ed Norton character in Rounders -- the personality, same kind of interests and other quirks and similarities."

"When I read for Joss, I read it as an American. I suggested if I could try it Irish. As soon as I did, everything -- the whole room -- just clicked."

Quinn's interpretation proved to be the clincher.

"The producers asked if I would test for the pilot, and we smoked through that. It was a great day. Shooting started six weeks ago -- we had a two-week break in there where I went home to Ireland -- ever since then, it's been kinda nutty."

 

 

From The WB. Reprinted without permission.