Actor and comedian Joe Flaherty has passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and memorable performances. Known for his roles on Freaks and Geeks and the sketch comedy series SCTV, Flaherty’s death was announced by his daughter, Gudrun, following a brief illness.

Born in Pittsburgh, Flaherty began his comedy career as part of Chicago’s improv group, The Second City. His career spanned nearly five decades, with credits on beloved television comedies like Frasier and Family Guy.

Gudrun shared that her father had a deep passion for movies from the 40s and 50s, which greatly influenced his career. She also emphasized his fondness for his time on SCTV, stating that he cherished every moment on the show and was incredibly proud of its success and the talented cast.

Following his time on SCTV, Flaherty starred in the teen comedy-drama Freaks and Geeks as Harold Weir, the father of two awkward teenagers. Although the series was cancelled after a single season, it later gained a cult following and played a pivotal role in launching the careers of several young actors.

In addition to his television work, Flaherty also made a memorable appearance in the 1996 film Happy Gilmore, where he played a heckler taunting the titular golf player, portrayed by Adam Sandler.

Flaherty’s impact extended beyond the US, as he also gained recognition in Canada. He had moved to launch Toronto’s arm of the improv troupe The Second City and appeared in several Canadian sitcoms, leaving a lasting impression on the Canadian comedy scene.

Co-stars and fellow comedians paid tribute to Flaherty, with Adam Sandler expressing his admiration for the late actor and recalling the joy of working with him. Jennifer Tilly, who starred alongside Flaherty in The Wrong Guy, remembered him as a great comedian and expressed her sadness at his untimely passing.

Flaherty’s comedic talent and warm personality will be dearly missed. He is survived by his two children, Gudrun and Gabriel Flaherty.