Joe Flaherty, who got his start in Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV and was best known for his roles as Harold Weir in Freaks and Geeks, Donald in Happy Gilmore and Western Union Man in Back to the Future Part II, died on Tuesday after battling an undisclosed illness. He was 82.
His death was confirmed to the Canadian press by his daughter Gudrun Flaherty. As reported in February, Toronto’s Second City comedy troupe organized a fundraiser to facilitate with the late actor’s health.
The message on the fundraiser read, “Our beloved SCTV cast member, Joe Flaherty, is very ill. Joe is aware of the gravity of his failing health and would like to spend whatever time he has left at home rather than in a facility.”
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Following the confirmation of his death, many of Flaherty’s co-stars and notable fans reacted to the news. His Freaks and Geeks co-star John Francis Daley, who starred as his son Sam in the cult classic series, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Joe Flaherty made me crack up so hard it ruined takes. My favorite days on set were the ones where we had scenes together. What a lovely guy.”
Freaks and Geeks creator Paul Feig also paid tribute to Flaherty on X, writing, “So sad to hear about dear Joe. He was my TV dad and a true comedy hero. Always happy to tell any story about your favorite SCTV sketch, he was just the greatest guy. I will truly miss him and always be grateful to have known him. Rest in comedy, Joe.”
Adam Sandler shared of his Happy Gilmore co-star on Instagram, “Oh man. Worshipped Joe growing up. Always had me and my brother laughing. Count Floyd, Guy Caballero. Any move he made. He crushed as border guard in Stripes. Couldn’t be more fun to have him heckle me on the golf course. The nicest guy you could know. Genius of a comedian. And a true sweetheart. Perfect combo. Much love to his kids and thanks to Joe for all the greatness he gave us all.”
Read the tributes as they pour in, below.
Joe Flaherty made me crack up so hard it ruined takes. My favorite days on set were the ones where we had scenes together. What a lovely guy.
— John Francis Daley (@JohnFDaley) April 2, 2024
So sad to hear about dear Joe. He was my TV dad and a true comedy hero. Always happy to tell any story about your favorite SCTV sketch, he was just the greatest guy. I will truly miss him and always be grateful to have known him. Rest in comedy, Joe. https://t.co/lWrh3T8zC6
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) April 2, 2024
#SCTV was easily one of the greatest sketch comedies in the history of television with some of the most brilliant comic actors ever assembled in one show. Thank you #JoeFlaherty– your legacy of laughs will last from here to eternity. #RIP pic.twitter.com/xANitEQr3c
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) April 2, 2024
Joe Flaherty played my dad in “The Wrong Guy.” I was so thrilled to be able to work with him. His performance was pitch perfect. A great comedian. Gone too soon. https://t.co/7qFnjGAoM1
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) April 2, 2024
Poor Count Floyd — never got to preview the awful movies he showed. Good god Joe Flaherty was to-the-core funny. https://t.co/oUNgPp1FnL
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 2, 2024
We’ve lost another of my idols. RIP Joe Flaherty
— Joel Murray (@JoelMurray9of9) April 2, 2024
1941-2024 pic.twitter.com/bcVtfaAiPG
I was incredibly fortunate to have worked with Joe Flaherty a few times. A sweet man that produced a lot of laughs. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
— Colin Mochrie (@colinmochrie) April 2, 2024
💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/nxr5joz8dA
— Yo La Tengo (@TheRealYLT) April 2, 2024
My very first legit/paid acting job was on "Maniac Mansion" and it is impossible to relay how excited/stunned/thrilled I was to be doing the scene WITH Joe Flaherty. #legend He was so cool, joked around, made me feel totally welcome. Was he great…?
— Brent Butt (@BrentButt) April 2, 2024
Hugh Betcha.#RIPJoeFlaherty pic.twitter.com/Z97J0mZhpc
No one could have played the role of Donald like Joe Flaherty did. His comedic delivery was perfect and his role alone made Happy Gilmore the classic it is today. He will be missed. Rest easy Joe pic.twitter.com/npdVOjQFpp
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) April 2, 2024
So sorry to hear about the loss of comedy legend Joe Flaherty today. One of my true heroes from @sctv Growing up watching him made me think about comedy in a completely different way. I was so lucky to get to work with him and spend time with him. In fact he was our first… pic.twitter.com/sbU5fa5ZFx
— Tom Green (@tomgreenlive) April 2, 2024
When I was barely a year old I appeared as "the blonde bomber" in the Count Floyd DTV movie Making Real Funny Home Videos, someone filmed me fighting another kid and narrated it like a boxing match, RIP Joe Flaherty, glad I could be a tiny (and questionable) part of your legacy❤️ pic.twitter.com/75PuUcNk6e
— Keenan Tamblyn (@KeenanTamblyn) April 2, 2024
