Joe Flaherty, the actor and comedian who played Harold Weir on the short-lived NBC comedy show Freaks and Geeks, has died at the age of 82.
Flaherty died after a “brief illness,” his daughter Gudrun Flaherty told Variety and the New York Times.
The actor's other most famous role was as a cast member on the sketch series 'SCTV'. In the cult classic Freaks and Geeks, Flaherty played the parents of the Weir children from 1999 to 2000. The series featured many Hollywood stars who rose to fame after appearing on the show with Flaherty, including Jason Segel, James Franco, and Seth. Rogen and Busy Phillips.
He was also a comedian who appeared regularly on Toronto's Second City Troupe's television skit show SCTV from 1981 to 1983, which featured stars such as Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, and John Candy.
The comedian is also remembered for his role in “Happy Gilmore'' with Adam Sandler.
The Pittsburgh native's death followed a fundraiser set up in February by the Comedy Artists Alliance to raise money for Flaherty.
Adam Sandler, Martin Scorsese and more stars mourn Joe Flaherty's death
After news of Flaherty's death broke, former co-stars and celebrity fans took to social media to pay their respects.
Adam Sandler posted on Instagram: “Oh I adored Joe growing up. He always made me and my brother laugh.” “The nicest man I ever knew. A comedic genius. And a true lover. The perfect combination. Lots of love to the kids. And thank you to the great Joe for all you have given to us all.”
Actor Joel Murray, who co-starred with Flaherty in the 1986 film One Crazy Summer, expressed his condolences to X, saying: “We have lost another one of my idols. Rest in peace, Joe. Flaherty 1941-2024.” Murray wrote.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Martin Short said, “In our more than 50 years of friendship, there have been few people as wise and hilarious about the art of comedy, improvisation, and character work as Joe.” Ta. “We called him Anchor. In his life, he was simply the funniest person in the room. I just adored him.”
“Joe Flaherty played my father on 'The Wrong Guy.' It was a pleasure working with him. His performance was perfect. He's a great comedian. It just happened too soon.” Co-star and “Chucky” actress. Posted by Jennifer Tilly on X.
Director Martin Scorsese said in a statement to Rolling Stone: “I hope I have been able to express my admiration and love for his work on SCTV and beyond.” “I've always been drawn to comedians and comedic actors. They have to be disciplined and carefully observed and trained. … And Joe was brilliant, a true master of his craft. ”
“Joe Flaherty used to berate me so hard that it ruined me. My favorite days on set were the days we shot scenes together. What a wonderful guy.” john francis dalyThe actor, who played Flaherty's son on Freaks and Geeks, told X:
“Freaks and Geeks” creator Paul Feig called Flaherty “a TV dad and a true comedy hero” in his eulogy. Posted on X.
“So sad to hear about dear Joe,” Feig wrote. “I'm always happy to tell you any story about your favorite SCTV skit. He was just the best guy. I will truly miss him and will always be grateful to have known him.” Joe, please take a break from comedy.”
Contributor: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
