Pat Finn, Beloved Comedian and 'The Middle' Actor, Dies at 60
The Middle’s Pat Finn has passed away at the age of 60 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Finn died on Tuesday, December 24, at his residence in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loved ones, according to TMZ.
Following the announcement of Finn’s death, comedian Jeff Dye shared a heartfelt tribute, writing on X, “I typically avoid posting images with celebrities who have died. But this individual was far more than just a celebrity to me; he was a cherished friend.”
He continued: “One of the finest people I knew, possessing an exceptional sense of humor. I deeply loved you, Pat Finn, and I’ll see you again on the other side, where we can sing together and shake our heads at all the negativity of the past.”
The Most Unexpected Celebrity Departures of All Time: Diane Keaton and More
Finn began his comedy career alongside his close companion, Chris Farley. After playing on the same rugby team at Marquette University in 1987, the pair maintained a strong bond and eventually became roommates in Chicago while performing with the renowned Second City comedy troupe. (Farley tragically died of a drug overdose in 1997 at the age of 33.)
“I used to frequently visit there and almost study it,” Finn recalled in a 2022 interview with Phoenix. “Why did that laugh resonate? Why did that song connect? Why did they perform that scene? I was like an athlete rewatching a game. A career in comedy didn’t become a reality until I was selected by The Second City and then the main stage.”
After contributing as a writer and performer in two Second City resident shows, Finn was cast as Dan in CBS’ The George Wendt Show. The sitcom centered around brothers George and Dan Coleman (George Wendt and Finn), who operated a car garage in Wisconsin. In addition to managing the garage, they also hosted a call-in radio program about automotive repair.
“I was invited for a significant interview, and I ultimately secured the role on The George Wendt Show. It ran for approximately a year, but George, Bernadette, and I remain close friends, and he serves as the godfather to my youngest son,” Finn continued.
Reliving TV's Most Shocking Departures
Finn is also recognized for his portrayal of Bill Norwood on The Middle, a role he held from 2011 to 2018. He subsequently appeared on Seinfeld, That ’70s Show and Friends. On the big screen, Finn secured roles in Dude, Where’s My Car?, Love You, Beth Cooper and It’s Complicated.
“I often say, if you had told me as a college student or high school student that I’d be living in Los Angeles, driving to the beach, surfing with my son, I would have thought you were joking. I don’t know how I stumbled into it,” he told Phoenix in 2022. “I feel incredibly fortunate, and it feels natural. It feels right.”
The actor married his wife, Donna, with whom he shared three children, in 1990.
