Hollywood actor Pat Finn, beloved for his role as Bill Norwood in the hit sitcom The Middle, has died at the age of 60 following a battle with cancer. The sad news was confirmed on Monday, with tributes swiftly pouring in from his former co-stars and friends in the entertainment industry.
A Legacy of Laughter and Friendship
Patricia Heaton, who starred alongside Finn on The Middle, led the heartfelt tributes with an emotional post on Instagram. The veteran actress, 67, described Finn as "one of the finest and funniest human beings I know" who had "left to be with Jesus." She revealed he had been fighting cancer for several years and passed away "at the too-young age of 60," leaving behind his wife Donna and their three children.
"He was adored by all who knew him," Heaton wrote, "and he leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and wonderful comedy." Finn appeared on the ABC sitcom from 2010 until 2018, playing the friendly neighbour Bill Norwood, who often watched football with Mike Heck, portrayed by Neil Flynn.
A Career Spanning Decades of Comedy
Born in Wilmette, Illinois, Pat Finn graduated from Marquette University in 1987, where he forged a lifelong friendship with the late comedian Chris Farley. The pair were roommates and played on the university rugby team together. This bond led them both to The Second City’s National Touring Company in Chicago, where Finn honed the improv skills that would define his career.
His television career was extensive, featuring memorable guest spots on some of the most iconic shows of the 1990s and 2000s. His credits include:
- The George Wendt Show (a long-running role)
- Murphy Brown
- Seinfeld (The Reverse Peephole episode, 1998)
- Friends (playing Dr. Roger in a two-part episode)
- 3rd Rock From The Sun
- Ed
In film, Finn appeared in projects like The Bachelor (1999) with Chris O'Donnell and Renée Zellweger, and the cult comedy Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000) alongside Ashton Kutcher. His final role was in the 2021 romantic comedy Funny Thing About Love.
An Outpouring of Love from the Comedy World
The news of his passing prompted a wave of grief and fond remembrance from across the entertainment community. Comedian Jeff Dye shared on X, "He was a friend. One of the best dudes I knew with a PERFECT sense of humour."
Brian Stack, a writer for The Late Show, called Finn "as kind as he was brilliantly hilarious." Meanwhile, actor Jeff Garlin remembered his "dear friend" on Facebook, noting he was "Funny, yes. Too funny. Joyous." Actress Mo Collins highlighted his "generosity of heart and spirit."
While the specific type of cancer has not been officially disclosed, reports from outlets including TMZ indicate Finn was diagnosed with bladder cancer several years ago. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and their children.
