Television actor and comedian Pat Finn, best known for his role on the hit ABC sitcom The Middle, has died at the age of 60. His family confirmed he passed away on Tuesday morning at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loved ones.
A career spanning iconic TV shows
Pat Finn enjoyed a prolific career in American television, becoming a familiar face to audiences through a string of popular shows. He played Bill Norwood on The Middle from 2011 to 2018, a series that followed a lower-middle-class family in a small American town.
Finn also made memorable guest appearances in some of the most iconic sitcoms of all time. He portrayed Dr. Roger on Friends and Joe Mayo on Seinfeld. His television credits extended to other beloved series including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Ed, and 3rd Rock from the Sun.
A personal battle and heartfelt tributes
The actor was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022. After initially going into remission, the cancer unfortunately returned. News of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues across social media.
His daughter, Cassidy, led the tributes, sharing a moving post on Instagram. She described her father as a "role model" and "inspiration", writing: "My life is forever changed because of him. He taught me to be funny, positive, humble, to listen, to always try my best, to love, and to surround myself with the best people."
Comedian Jeff Dye remembered Finn on X as "one of the best dudes I knew with a PERFECT sense of humour." The Second City comedy club in Chicago, where Finn performed early in his career, also honoured him, stating he was "as funny as he was kind."
Life beyond the screen
Beyond his acting work, Pat Finn was dedicated to education. He served as an adjunct professor, using his expertise in comedy and improvisation to teach Improv for Strategic Communications at the University of Colorado and Marquette University. His daughters attended the former and his son the latter.
Pat Finn is survived by his wife, Donna, and their three children: Cassidy, Caitlin, and Ryan. The family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss.
