Expert: H Louise - 8/15/2006

Question
why did the kill of Doyle

Answer
Hi Vann,

Thanks for your question. There are a few theories and rumours as to why Doyle was killed off and why Glenn Quinn left the show, so prepare for a long answer.

One theory surrounds his death and a possible drug problem:

Although it is not known whether Glenn Quinn had a drug problem (I'll leave that for your own opinion) it is unlikely that he may have left because of it. One reason I think it is unlikely is because he had worked in the business for many years and there had been no previous reports of such activities. And also because of many statements issued stating that it was an accident.

http://www.geocities.com/glenns_girl_01/statement.html
'Anthony Johnson Personal Management company managed Glenn Quinn's early career. Glenn was a good friend and Anthony wanted to issue the following statement to Glenn's Fans.'

'The cause of death, which is what everyone seems so curious about, is going to stay private, out of respect to Glenn and his family. It is true to say that it was definately an accident. Glenn was a man with great determination, and a huge heart, he did not take his own life.

On Friday, December 6, there was a private, traditional Irish wake held 3-5 pm at The Luyben Morturary, in Lakewood, Ca. On Saturday, December 7, A beautiful service was held at 10:30 am at Saint Cornelius Church in Long Beach, Ca., followed by laying Glenn's body to rest. Both services were private, and attended by Glenn's family and close friends.

Respectfully,
Anthony Johnson'

However there are different sides to every story and one other view is at
http://www.findadeath.com/Deceased/q/GlennQuinn/glenn_quinn.htm
which says that he had a drug problem and so it was the reason he was taken off of Angel. (You'll have to visit the page as it won't let me copy it.)
The link below also supports the drug habit.
http://www.stuck-in-the-middle.com/quinn/

When news was first heard that he was leaving the show of Angel many fans had believed that it was because of a feud between himself and David Boreanaz (Angel). The idea of this was constantly denied and Boreanaz even said that he was like a brother and both got on really well. Quinn had even taught Boreanaz how to play the drums.

The Angel show has also insisted that it was planned for Doyle to leave the show from the very beginning in order to allow Wesley to enter it.
http://ayelle.net/thecityofangel/characters/doyle.html
'Doyle's death, planned from the beginning of the series, shocked and saddened the watchers, who had grown fond of this seedy, needy, endearing man.'
Character wise he had atoned and became at peace with his demon heritage so he could carry on dragging out his story arc or leave with a bang. Also Wesley was coming into the show. Doyle had done his job and made Angel link with the world again and put him on his path like Whistler did. He was a messenger and wasn't meant to stay. His story arc was tied up pretty nicely which is something to consider if there are thoughts that he was hastily written out half way through season one.

It is also said that it was because Joss Whedon had always wanted to kill off a main character since he did it to Jesse in the first episode of Buffy. However that character never made it into the opening credits. Plus since Joss couldn't really kill off the stars Buffy and Angel because 1, they are the stars and 2, he's already killed and brought them back, he would have to kill off the other characters to fufil his promise that anything can happen in his shows- gives it a more realistic edge- when you don't know what can happen. Doyle was the first main character to die (and possibly not return). He was then followed by the main character death's of Buffy's Mum, Buffy (who returned), Tara, Cordelia (who returned for one episode), Fred (actually died but her shell is inhabited by Illyria) and Wesley.

Maybe typecast was a worry for Quinn as he worked on Roseanne for many years and he was working on some movies after Angel so he maybe wanted to branch out. It could have ultimately been his decision to leave.

Whatever the reason for Doyle's and Quinn's departure from Angel I do know that if he left the show on bad terms they would not have planned to have him return in the 100th episode (seen where Lindsey calls himself Doyle etc) or as a possible baddie in season 5/6, which was a few ideas they sadly could not put into action. (Only through recorded tape footage from 'Hero' in the 100th episode.) Or put In Loving Memory when he died in season 4?

Either way despite what anyone's beliefs may to be as to why he left, he was a memorable character and left the show in a fitting and heroic fashion that created a huge fan following and ascended him into hunk status. He won't be forgotten.

Thanks again for the question and well done for getting through all that and I hope that has helped or at least given you a few more perspectives. If you would like any more information or something explained further or to even tell me what you think etc don't hesitate to contact me.

Yours H Louise.