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Joe Flaherty, the Pittsburgh-born expert sketch comic who delighted audiences in Freaks and Geeks and Happy Gilmore, has died. On Tuesday, fans around the globe were shocked to hear the news. The two-time Emmy Award winner and nine-time nominee, who was part of the original cast of SCTV, was 82 at his passing.
Flaherty’s Death Came After a Brief Illness
Joe Flaherty was battling health issues at the time of his death, his daughter confirmed. It was Gudrun Flaherty — who served as her dad’s sole caregiver in his final months — who informed The Toronto Star of the actor’s death on Tuesday.
Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s. His insights into the golden age of cinema didn’t just shape his professional life; they were also a source of endless fascination for me. In these last few months, as he faced his health challenges, we had the precious opportunity to watch many of those classic movies together — moments I will forever hold dear.
Gudrun Flaherty, The Toronto Star
The beloved comedian’s difficult health news touched many. His Second City family put together a fundraiser in his honor. The announcement came earlier this year, though Flaherty’s exact condition was never revealed.
The Famed Sketch Comic Will Be Remembered For His Prowess on Screen
Joe Flaherty will best be remembered for the hilarious characters he portrayed as one of the originals on SCTV. Guy Caballero, Count Floyd, and Big Jim McBob were just some of the many characters Flaherty employed to make audiences laugh. It’s no surprise, then, that these characters have been named again and again by those honoring his memory.
He appeared on all six seasons of the Canadian sketch comedy hit, winning Emmys for his writing on the series in 1982 and 1983. Before setting up roots up north, Flaherty got his start at the legendary Second City Chicago. Ironically, the actor said comedy was never his goal.
I definitely think of myself as more of an actor than a comic — my training was in drama, I only fell into comedy accidentally. And I think people are surprised when they meet me, because they expect me to be entertaining and funny, like a stand-up. I’m just not that way.
Joe Flaherty, The Globe and Mail, 2002
Despite that, his comedic prowess would open doors and make connections for Flaherty. He’d go on to appear in films such as Back to the Future Part II and Happy Gilmore. He worked with actors including John Belushi, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, and many more greats. During the time that he created some of his most important work, he also changed the comedic landscape. His effortless skill made him a central figure, even when he wasn’t playing one on screen. Undoubtedly, he left the rooms he entered with memories and also bestowed some upon the many talents he worked with.
Many Have Paid Tribute to Flaherty Today
Joe Flaherty has been honored by collaborators and admirers celebrating his unique comic genius. The influence his work has had can certainly be seen in the sheer variety and star power of those who have celebrated him.
As the tributes pour in, it’s clear that despite his humble way, Joe Flaherty had a huge impact on the lives of some of the funniest people in our society—from Adam Sandler to Tom Green and so many in between.
While it is a bittersweet occasion that brings the celebration of Joe Flaherty’s career, it is sweet to see how many celebrate him. Hopefully, it comforts those closest to him during a difficult time and reminds them of how beloved Flaherty has been and continues to be.
