The actor Joe Flaherty, recognized for his roles in “SCTV” (Second City Television) and “Freaks and Geeks,” has passed away at the age of 82.
The renowned actor, writer, and comedian Joe Flaherty, best known for his roles in the Canadian sketch comedy series “Second City Television” and “Freaks and Geeks,” has sadly passed away at the age of 82 on Monday.
Flaherty’s daughter, Gudrun, confirmed his death to Variety through a statement from the Comedic Artists Alliance, an organization that had previously raised funds to provide Flaherty with a 24-hour caregiver.
Gudrun expressed her deep sadness in accepting this tremendous loss, stating, “After a brief illness, he left us yesterday, and since then, I have been struggling to come to terms with this profound loss.” She described her father as an exceptional man with an immeasurable heart and an unwavering passion for classic movies from the ’40s and ’50s. Flaherty’s profound understanding of the golden age of cinema not only shaped his professional life but also captivated her endlessly. She warmly recalled the precious moments they shared in the last months, watching classic movies together – moments that she will forever cherish.
Flaherty was a writer and performer on “SCTV,” where he co-starred alongside John Candy, Catherine O’Hara, and Martin Short. The Canadian show, which aired from 1976 to 1984, featured a variety of sketches set in the fictional town of Melonville. Flaherty gained recognition for his celebrity impressions, including Kirk Douglas, Richard Nixon, Art Garfunkel, Gregory Peck, and Alan Alda. He also portrayed memorable original characters on the show, such as SCTV president Guy Caballero, Big Jim McBob, and Count Floyd.
In addition to “SCTV,” Flaherty appeared in numerous television shows and films throughout his career, including “Back to the Future II,” “Happy Gilmore,” “Freaks and Geeks,” “One Crazy Summer,” “National Security,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Family Guy,” and “The King of Queens.” He played the role of Harold Weir in “Freaks and Geeks,” a heckler named Donald in “Happy Gilmore,” and the Western Union courier in “Back to the Future II.”Before his passing, Flaherty had been in poor health and had chosen to spend his remaining days at home instead of in a care facility. His “SCTV” colleagues utilized social media to raise funds for him through the Comedic Artists Alliance.
Gudrun’s statement further expressed, “Cinema was not merely a pastime for him; it profoundly shaped his career, particularly during his time with ‘SCTV.’ He treasured every moment spent on the show, taking pride in its success and feeling grateful to be a part of such an incredible cast. Recently, the ‘SCTV’ cast gathered to express their deep gratitude, recognizing him as the creative anchor who kept them honest and inspired. This speaks to the lasting impact he had on everyone he collaborated with. Above all, he was a loving father, always ready to bring laughter or share words of wisdom on any occasion. His absence has created an irreplaceable void in my life right now. As I navigate through the grieving process, I find solace in the memories we shared and the incredible influence he had on others. His spirit, humor, and love will always remain a part of me. My father was a kind and gentle soul who touched the lives of everyone who knew him and admired his work. I would like to express my gratitude to all those who cared for him; he cherished the ability to bring laughter into people’s lives. We will miss him deeply, but we will forever be grateful to God for having him in our lives.
Joe Flaherty, who won Primetime Emmy Awards for outstanding writing in a variety or music program, was paid tribute by Short in a statement to Variety. Short stated, “In our over 50 years of friendship, there were few individuals as wise or hilarious as Joe when it came to comedy, improvisation, and character work. In ‘SCTV,’ we referred to him as the anchor, and in life, he simply was the funniest person in the room. I adored him.”
Born on June 21, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Flaherty embarked on his career at The Second City in Chicago, where he both wrote and acted in several Mainstage revues. He appeared in various productions such as “The Next Generation,” “Justice is Done or Oh, Cal Coolidge,” and “Cooler Near the Lake,” alongside Brian Doyle-Murray and Harold Ramis. He also acted in collaboration with John Belushi in “Cum Grano Salis,” “No, No, Wilmette,” and “43rd Parallel or Mr. McCabre and Ms. Miller.” Flaherty later became a part of the “National Lampoon Radio Hour” alongside Belushi, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, Doyle-Murray, and Ramis. After spending seven years in Chicago, Flaherty relocated to Toronto, where he played a pivotal role in establishing Second City Toronto and contributed to the creation of “SCTV.”
News Source:Variety