Comedian Joe Flaherty, one of the original members of the Canadian sketch series SCTV, has passed away at 82.
According to his daughter, he passed away on Monday after a short illness, as confirmed by the Canadian Press.
Flaherty gained recognition in comedy while at SCTV, portraying characters such as Count Floyd, news anchor Floyd Robertson and the iconic SCTV station manager, Guy Caballero.
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Flaherty served in the United States Air Force before transitioning to acting. He then joined the Second City Theatre troupe in Chicago.
Later, he relocated to Toronto and played a pivotal role in establishing the Toronto Second City theatre troupe, ultimately starring on SCTV as one of the original performers and writers.
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Everett Collection via The Canadian Press
He appeared regularly in TV comedies during the 1990s, including a recurring role on the sitcom Maniac Mansion. He also played Cmdt. Stuart Hefilfinger in the short-lived Police Academy TV revival.
In 1999, he took on what may be his most memorable role, portraying Harold Weir in the now-cult favorite NBC comedy Freaks and Geeks. While the show only lasted one season, Flaherty left a lasting impression as the highly irritable yet loving father to Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) and Sam Weir (John Francis Daly).
He also ventured into the world of film, including a role as a disruptive golf fan who yelled “Jackass!” whenever Adam Sandler approached the tee in Happy Gilmore.
More recently, Flaherty had roles in Clone High, Family Guy, Big Bang Theory and The King of Queens.
He also instructed aspiring comedians in comedy writing at Humber College in Toronto, and served on the program’s advisory committee.
Fellow comedians and former castmates expressed their condolences on social media Tuesday, reminiscing about Flaherty as a humorous individual who could always bring about laughter.
Colin Mochrie stated that he was “very lucky” to have collaborated with Flaherty.
I was incredibly fortunate to have worked with Joe Flaherty a few times. A sweet man that produced a lot of laughs. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
— Colin Mochrie (@colinmochrie) April 2, 2024
Daly fondly remembered his TV father, commenting that his “favorite days on set were the ones where we had scenes together.”
Joe Flaherty made me crack up so hard it ruined takes. My favorite days on set were the ones where we had scenes together. What a lovely guy.
— John Francis Daley (@JohnFDaley) April 2, 2024
“Dad was an extraordinary man, recognized for his generous heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s,” Flaherty’s daughter, Gudrun Flaherty, noted in a statement issued Tuesday.
“Cinema wasn’t just a hobby for him; it greatly influenced his career, particularly his unforgettable time with SCTV. He treasured every moment spent on the show, proud of its success and proud to be part of an amazing cast.”
— based on information from The Canadian Press
