Pat Finn, Beloved Comedic Actor of ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘the Middle,’ Dies at 60
A celebrated character actor known for his roles in iconic television comedies, Pat Finn, has died at the age of 60. The actor passed away Monday night, his family announced Wednesday, after a recurrence of bladder cancer.
The Finn family shared a statement expressing their profound sadness. “It is with profound sadness and grief that the Finn family announces the passing of beloved comedic actor, Pat finn. In 2022, Pat battled bladder cancer, went into remission, but the cancer returned and metastasized,” the statement read. “He was a warrior in every sense of the word.”
Finn amassed an remarkable career spanning 70 films and television shows. He was particularly recognized for his recurring role as neighbor Bill Norwood on the ABC series “The Middle.” Audiences also fondly remember his appearances as Joe Mayo, hosting a memorable party in “The Reverse Peephole” episode of “Seinfeld” in 1998, and as Dr. Roger, a boyfriend of Courteney Cox’s character on “Friends.” He also portrayed Phil Jr.on “Murphy Brown.”
A still from Pat Finn’s 1998 appearance on “Seinfeld” (Season 9, Episode 12: “The Reverse Peephole”) shows him opposite Jerry Seinfeld and Jason Alexander.
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Beyond these well-known roles, Finn’s extensive credits include appearances in “The Goldbergs,” “The George Wendt Show,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Ed,” “The Drew Carey show,” “That ’70s Show,” “The King of queens,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “2 Broke Girls,” “Space Buddies,” “I Love you Beth Cooper,” “Marvin Marvin,” “It’s Intricate,” “Dude Where’s My Car?” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” He even showcased his competitive spirit as a contestant on “Celebrity Family Feud” in 2021.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Finn was a highly regarded improv comedy actor. He shared a close friendship with the late “Saturday Night Live” star Chris Farley,whom he met while both attended Marquette University in the 1980s. Finn fondly recalled their shared passion for comedy, stating in 2022, “The two of us were inseparable. we listened to comedy albums by Steve Martin and National Lampoon.”
Fellow comedian Brian Stack expressed his heartbreak, writing in a tribute, “Heartbroken that our dear friend, Pat Finn, passed away.As kind as he was brilliantly hilarious. This video of him at our Chicago apartment in ’96, making his baby daughter Cassidy pretend to drive a bus and do karate kicks is priceless. Rest In Peace, Finner. We love you.”
Standup comic Jeff Dye added, “I don’t like to be the guy who post pics with celebrities that pass. But this guy wasn’t just a celebrity to me. He was a friend.One of the best dudes I knew with a PERFECT sense of humor.” He continued, “I love you Pat Finn and I’ll see again in the after, we can sing together and shake our heads about all the meanness in the used to be.”
Finn is survived by his wife of 35 years, Donna, their three children, his parents, and other family members. A GoFundMe page established to support the family with medical expenses has already raised over $118,000.
His passing marks the loss of a versatile and beloved performer who brought laughter to audiences for decades.
