Beloved Performer Pat Finn, Recognized For Parts in The Middle and Friends, Dies at Age 60.
Stateside entertainer Finn, who featured in beloved programs like Friends, "Seinfeld" and "The Middle", has passed away at 60 years old.
The comedy and improvisation performer passed away at his residence in Los Angeles, California recently having undergone treatment for cancer from 2022 onward, per reports.
"Pat Finn never met a stranger - solely future friends he had yet to meet," his family shared in a message.
They added that he had "embraced life completely - with joy and exuberance".
A Notable Television Career
His initial on-screen part was on the George Wendt Show in 1995, where he portrayed the lead character's sibling.
He subsequently landed a recurring role on "Murphy Brown" from 1995 to 1997.
He appeared as the character Joe Mayo in "Seinfeld" in 1998, depicting a host famous for delegating unpleasant chores to his guests.
Throughout the end of the 90s and start of the 2000s, he appeared as a guest star on several popular shows, such as:
- The King of Queens
- Friends
- "That '70s Show"
- House, M.D.
Finn was perhaps best known for playing the character Bill Norwood in "The Middle", appearing throughout eight series between 2011 and 2018.
His cinematic roles are "It's Complicated" and "Santa Paws 2".
A Life in Improv
Beyond his television work, Finn was a skilled improviser and also taught at the University of Colorado, where he was a professor.
He was part of a comedy group of six named Beer Shark Mice.
"Pat coached, befriended and mentored countless students throughout the years and it's nearly impossible to find a person anyplace who has an unkind word to say about him," his family wrote.
In a tribute, colleague and actor Richard Kind noted there was "not a more kind, gentle, or funny, down to earth person you could encounter".
"Perpetually optimistic, making those around him better and funnier. A wonderful father and man," Kind wrote on social media.
Pat Finn is remembered by his wife Donna, his three kids, and his family.
