Veteran actor Joe Flaherty, best known for starring in the Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV and on Paul Feig’s Freaks and Geeks, has died.
Back in February, Flaherty’s SCTV cast mate Martin Short, released a satatement regarding hos failing health, stating, “Our beloved SCTV cast member, Joe Flaherty, is very ill. Joe is aware of the gravity of his failing health and would like to spend whatever time he has left at home rather than in a facility.”
Born on June 21, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Joseph O’Flaherty embarked on his comedic odyssey with an innate gift for humor. Raised in an Irish-American household, Flaherty’s upbringing instilled in him a love for storytelling and a keen sense of observation, traits that would later become the cornerstone of his comedic persona. After studying at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago, Flaherty found his calling at The Second City, the legendary improvisational theater troupe that served as a breeding ground for some of comedy’s brightest talents.
Flaherty’s ascent to prominence came in the 1970s with the groundbreaking sketch comedy series SCTV (Second City Television). As a founding member of the ensemble cast, Flaherty showcased his unparalleled versatility, seamlessly transitioning between a myriad of characters with unmatched precision. Whether portraying the bombastic game show host Guy Caballero or the hapless news anchor Floyd Robertson, Flaherty’s performances captivated audiences and solidified his status as a comedic force to be reckoned with.
Beyond his contributions to SCTV, Flaherty’s legacy extends far beyond the confines of the small screen. His collaborations with fellow comedy luminaries such as John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Catherine O’Hara yielded some of the most beloved sketches in television history, cementing Flaherty’s reputation as a comedic chameleon capable of eliciting laughter in any situation. Moreover, his influence can be felt in subsequent generations of comedians who have drawn inspiration from his fearless approach to comedy and his unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Flaherty would go on to have roles in projects such as Happy Gilmore, Back to the Future Part II, Follow That Bird, The King of Queens, Clone High, Robson Arms, The Life & Times of Tim, Maniac Mansion, and Call Me Fitz, though his most memorable role came in 1999 when he was cast in the NBC comedy-drama Freaks and Geeks, playing the irritable but ultimately loving Harold Weir, father of Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) and Sam Weir (John Francis Daly).
Flaherty has served as a member of the faculty at Humber College in Toronto, Canada since 2004, where he taught a comedy-writing course. He was also on the program’s advisory committee. He was married to Judith Dagley for 22 years until their divorce. Together, they had two children, Gudrun, who is also an actor and writer, and Gabriel.
Joe Flaherty was 82 years old.