maaxx.ca

Joe Flaherty, the American actor and comedian known for his roles in Freaks and Geeks and the sketch series SCTV, has died at the age of 82.

Flaherty’s death was announced by his daughter, Gudrun, who said it came after a “brief illness.”

Born in Pittsburgh, Flaherty got his start in comedy as part of the Chicago improv group The Second City.

His career spanned nearly five decades, with credits in many beloved TV comedies such as Frasier and Family Guy.

In a statement, Gudrun said her father had an “unwavering passion for films of the 1940s and 1950s”, which influenced his career.

She added that he particularly enjoyed his time on SCTV.

“He cherished every moment he spent on the show, he was so proud of its success and so proud to be part of an incredible cast,” she said.

Comedian Martin Short, Flaherty’s former partner on SCTV, said in a statement: “There were very few people as wise or hilarious when it came to comedy, teaching improv and the craft of working on the characters that Joe.

“In SCTV, we called him the announcer. In life, he was simply the funniest man in the room. I adored him.”

After eight years on SCTV, Flaherty was cast in the teen comedy-drama Freaks and Greeks as Harold Weir, the father of two awkward teenagers.

The series was canceled after just one season but later became a cult classic and launched the careers of several young actors, including James Franco, Seth Rogen, Busy Philipps, Jason Segel and Linda Cardellini.

Flaherty was also known for a small but memorable role in the 1996 film Happy Gilmore, where he played a heckler who makes fun of the titular golf player, played by Adam Sandler.

The actor was appreciated not only in the United States, his native country, but also in Canada, where he later moved to launch the Toronto branch of the improvisation troupe The Second City.

He has appeared in several Canadian sitcoms and was a guest on the Canadian sketch show Royal Canadian Air Farce.

Co-stars remember Flaherty as a kind and talented comedian.

In an Instagram post, Adam Sandler said he “loved Joe growing up.”

“Couldn’t be more fun watching him heckle me on the golf course. Nicest guy you’ll ever know. Awesome comedian. And a real perfect combo,” Sandler wrote.

“Much love to his children and thanks to Joe for all the greatness he has brought us.”

“I was so thrilled to be able to work with him,” wrote Jennifer Tilly, who starred alongside Flaherty in the 1997 film The Wrong Guy.

“His performance was perfect. A great actor. Gone too soon.”

Flaherty was married to Judith Dagley for 22 years until their divorce in 1996. He leaves behind two children, Gudrun and Gabriel Flaherty.