American actor, Pat Finn, recognized for his roles in iconic TV series such as Friends, Seinfeld, and The Middle, has passed away at the age of 60.
Finn died at his Los Angeles home on Monday, after battling cancer since 2022, according to US media reports.
“Pat never met a stranger – only friends he didn’t know yet,” his family said in a statement shared on social media. They added that he had “lived his life fully – with joy and exuberance.”
Finn began his television career in 1995 on The George Wendt Show, appearing as the brother of the lead character. He also had a recurring role on Murphy Brown from 1995 to 1997.
In 1998, he portrayed Joe Mayo on Seinfeld, a character known for hosting parties where he offloaded the most tedious tasks onto his guests.
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, he made guest appearances on a range of popular shows including The King of Queens, Friends, That ’70s Show, and House.
Perhaps his most memorable role was as Bill Norwood on The Middle, a character he played across eight seasons from 2011 to 2018. Finn’s film work included It’s Complicated (2009) and Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups (2012).
Off-screen, Finn was a dedicated improv performer and educator. He served as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado and was a member of the six-person improv troupe, Beer Shark Mice.
“Pat coached, befriended and mentored countless students throughout the years and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone anywhere who has an unkind word to say about him,” his family noted.
Paying tribute, fellow actor Richard Kind described Finn as “no kinder, gentler, funnier, down to earth person you could encounter.
Always positive, helping you be funnier and better. A great dad, a great guy,” on Instagram.
Finn is survived by his wife Donna, their three children, and his parents and siblings.
