Beloved Actor Pat Finn, Famed For Parts in The Middle and Friends, Has Died at Age 60.
American performer Pat Finn, who featured in beloved programs like Friends, Seinfeld and The Middle, has died at the age of 60.
The comedy and improvisation performer succumbed at his home in Los Angeles on Monday after undergoing treatment for cancer from 2022 onward, according to media reports.
"Pat Finn considered no one a stranger - just potential friends he didn't know yet," his loved ones shared in a message.
They continued that he had "experienced life to the fullest - with zest and passion".
A Prolific Career on Screen
His debut TV appearance was on the George Wendt Show in 1995, where he portrayed the brother of the main character.
He was also seen in a recurring role on Murphy Brown between 1995 and 1997.
He played the part of the character Joe Mayo in Seinfeld in 1998, playing a host famous for delegating unpleasant chores to his guests.
During the 90s and 2000s, he appeared as a guest star on numerous well-known programs, including:
- The King of Queens
- Friends
- That '70s Show
- House, M.D.
He was most recognized for his portrayal of the character Bill Norwood in The Middle, appearing throughout eight seasons over nearly a decade.
His work in movies include "It's Complicated" and "Santa Paws 2".
A Life in Improv
Beyond his on-screen roles, Finn was a skilled improviser and also taught at the University of Colorado, where he was a professor.
He was a member of a six-member improv team known as Beer Shark Mice.
"He guided, supported, and advised numerous pupils during his career and it's nearly impossible to find someone anywhere who has a bad thing to say about him," his family wrote.
Paying homage, peer actor Richard Kind noted there was "nobody more kind, gentle, and humorous, authentic human being you could encounter".
"Perpetually optimistic, assisting others to improve and be funnier. A great dad, a great guy," he shared online.
The actor is survived by his spouse Donna, his children, and his family.