Courtney Thorne-Smith, James Belushi, Pat Finn and Stacey Travis in the TV series According to Jim. Photo: All Film Archive / ABC / Mary Evans Picture Library / Profimedia
American actor Pat Finn, known for his appearances in hit series such as Friends, Seinfeld and The Middle, has died at the age of 60, according to the BBC.
The comedian and improvisational actor, who had been undergoing treatment for cancer since 2022, died Monday at his home in Los Angeles.
“Pat never met a stranger — only friends he didn't know yet,” the family said in a message posted on social media.
According to the family, Pat Finn “lived his life to the fullest, with joy and enthusiasm.”
Who was Pat Finn?
Finn's first television role was in 1995 on The George Wendt Show, where he played the main character's brother. Also during that time, he had a recurring role on the series Murphy Brown from 1995 to 1997.
In 1998, he appeared on Seinfeld as Joe Mayo, a party planner known for his habit of assigning unsavory tasks to his guests.
Throughout the '90s and early 2000s, Finn made cameo appearances on numerous popular series, including The King of Queens, Friends, That '70s Show, and House.
The actor is probably best known for his role as Bill Norwood on The Middle, which he starred in for eight seasons between 2011 and 2018.
His filmography also includes productions such as It's Complicated (2009) and Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups (2012).
He also has roles in the feature films It's Complicated (2009) and Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups (2012).
Beyond his screen roles, Finn was an improvisational actor and taught at the University of Colorado, where he was an associate professor. He was also part of a six-piece improv band called the Beer Shark Mice.
“Pat coached, befriended and mentored countless students over the years, and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who had a bad word to say about him,” his family wrote.
In a tribute to Finn, actor Richard Kind said there was “no one better, gentler, funnier, down to earth than him”.
“Always positive, always ready to help you be funnier and better. Great dad, great man,” Kind wrote on Instagram.
Pat Finn leaves behind his wife, Donna, their three children, as well as his parents and siblings.
