Pat Finn, the American actor and comedian celebrated for his appearances in beloved television comedies including The Middle, Friends and Seinfeld, has died following a battle with bladder cancer. He was 60 years old.
The performer passed away on Monday at his residence in Los Angeles, with loved ones by his side, according to his manager Andrea Pett-Joseph.
Mr Finn earned recognition for portraying Bill Norwood across 23 episodes of The Middle between 2011 and 2018. British audiences may also recall him as Dr Roger in Friends, and as Joe Mayo in a ninth-series episode of Seinfeld.
His manager described him as "the kindest, most joyful person in any room."
Pat Finn dies this week at 60
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Mr Finn received his bladder cancer diagnosis in 2022 and initially entered remission, offering hope of recovery. However, the disease subsequently returned and spread to other parts of his body.
His struggle with the illness remained largely unknown to the public until news of his death emerged.
In recent months, friends established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical expenses for his family, which raised nearly £94,000.
His family released a statement on social media reflecting on his character and approach to life.
The actor's family shared the sad news on social media
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"Pat never met a stranger - only friends he didn't know yet," they said, adding that he had "lived his life fully - with joy and exuberance."
His representative described him as "a warrior in every sense of the word."
Tributes from the comedy world followed swiftly after news of his passing became public.
Comedian Jeff Dye shared a heartfelt message on social media, writing: "This guy wasn't just a celebrity to me. He was a friend."
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Friends and The Middle star Pat Finn dies at 60 as family share statement | GETTYHe added that Mr Finn was "one of the best dudes I knew with a PERFECT sense of humor."
Comedy writer Brian Stack also paid his respects, remembering Mr Finn as both "brilliantly hilarious" and genuinely kind.
His daughter Cassidy posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, describing her father as a role model and inspiration.
"He taught me to be funny, positive, humble, to listen, to always try my best, to love, and to surround myself with the best people," she wrote.
Patt Finn starred in several US sitcoms
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She noted that nurses caring for him remarked they had never witnessed so many visitors for a single patient.
Mr Finn hailed from Evanston, Illinois, and trained at the renowned Second City comedy institution in Chicago, where he developed lasting connections with fellow performers.
His extensive television career spanned numerous popular American comedies, including Curb Your Enthusiasm, The King of Queens, That '70s Show, Third Rock from the Sun and The Goldbergs.
On the big screen, he appeared in films such as Dude, Where's My Car?, It's Complicated and I Love You, Beth Cooper.
Beyond performing, Finn worked as an adjunct professor, teaching improvisation for strategic communications at the University of Colorado and Marquette University, where his children studied.
He is survived by his wife Donna, whom he married in 1990, and their three children: daughters Cassidy and Caitlin, and son Ryan.