Glenn Martin Christopher Francis Quinn (May 28, 1970 - December 3, 2002) was an Irish actor in television and film, known for playing Mark Healy in the American sitcom Roseanne, and Doyle, a half-demon, on Angel, a spin-off series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Early life

Quinn was born in Dublin, Ireland. He spent his childhood visiting aunts, uncles, and cousins in the United States and spent his teenage years in Cabinteely, County Dublin, Ireland. As a teenager, he played drums in a rock band called Revival, who peaked at supporting Irish AOR Band Winter's Reign, and had a demo called 'How could I know'-Rock with BOC - BLB Radio played on the radio. He also acted in productions at small local theaters. Quinn attended Clonkeen College.

Quinn moved to the Long Beach area of California in 1988 with his mother and two sisters. His older brother Ciaran (who was born before his parents married and subsequently were forced into giving him up for adoption), whose existence he was unaware of, lives in Donabate, Ireland. Quinn worked odd jobs at power plants, restaurants, and more before deciding to pursue an acting career in Hollywood.

Career

Quinn did commercials for Pepsi and Ray-Ban, appeared in the music video for the Richard Marx song "Satisfied," and had his first speaking line in the pilot of Beverly Hills, 90210 after having endured eight separate auditions for the roles of both "Brandon Walsh" and then "Steve Sanders." Having lost out to Jason Priestley and Ian Ziering, respectively, casting director Johanna Ray gave him a small role with two lines in the pilot, but Quinn was barely visible in the final broadcast version. His first substantial speaking part was as a guest-star in an episode of the short-lived The Outsiders.

In 1991, Quinn had his first major role in a movie, Shout, which starred John Travolta and in which he shared an on-screen kiss with Gwyneth Paltrow in her debut film. One of Quinn's more visible roles began in 1990 as the character Mark Healy, Becky Conner's boyfriend, and later husband, in Roseanne. Quinn took on the role as youngest son Cedric on the 1992 US and UK TV series Covington Cross. While shooting the series in England, he suffered a serious injury to his back falling from his horse while shooting a scene. In 1992, he starred alongside Holly Marie Combs in Dr. Giggles. In 1997, he played dual roles in the horror anthology film Campfire Tales.

After seven years using an American accent on Roseanne, Quinn was pleased producers made Doyle on Angel Irish because it would allow him to use his native accent. In an interview with The Irish Times, Quinn said of his accent, "I've been hiding it for so long that it's amazing to have some freedom. It was like putting on an old pair of shoes. It's bringing my soul back to life." His last film work was in 2002's R.S.V.P.

Personal life

In addition to acting, Quinn co-owned a nightclub called "Goldfingers" in Los Angeles, California.

Death

Quinn's body was found on the couch of a friend he was visiting in North Hollywood, California on December 3, 2002. Police and autopsy reports revealed that the cause of his death was an accidental heroin overdose.

Filmography

[ Source: Wikipedia ]