Pat Finn, a beloved character actor recognized for his memorable performances in popular television comedies such as "The Middle," "Ed," and "Marvin Marvin," has sadly passed away at the age of 60 on December 22 at his residence in Los Angeles. This news comes after Finn's courageous battle with bladder cancer that he faced for several years.
His family shared a heartfelt statement highlighting Finn’s passion for college football and his unwavering support for the Chicago Bears NFL team. They encouraged everyone to practice kindness daily by making someone's life a little easier, reflecting what Finn himself would have wanted: "Bear Down."
Finn's career spanned decades, beginning in the mid-1990s, during which he consistently appeared in both film and television. One of the notable early highlights of his professional journey was being part of the Second City improv troupe, where he collaborated with renowned comedian Chris Farley.
In recent years, Finn is perhaps best remembered for his role as Bill Norwood, the eccentric yet affable neighbor of the Heck family on ABC’s hit domestic comedy "The Middle," which aired from 2009 to 2018. Additionally, he starred as the father figure in the Nickelodeon live-action series "Marvin Marvin," which ran from 2012 to 2013, about a family who adopts an alien teenager.
Throughout his career, Finn amassed an impressive list of television credits, featuring guest spots on iconic shows like "Seinfeld," "Friends," and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," as well as appearances on "The Goldbergs," "Two Broke Girls," and "The Bernie Mac Show." His filmography includes titles such as "Dude, Where’s My Car?" "Funky Monkey," "I Love You, Beth Cooper," "It’s Complicated," and "Selfie Dad." Furthermore, he appeared in various commercials for brands like H&R Block, DiGiorno Pizza, Toyota, and the famous "Got Milk" campaign.
Born in 1965 and raised in Wilmette, Illinois, Finn graduated from Marquette University in 1987 with a degree in speech. He shared a special bond with his classmate Chris Farley, who later became a star on "Saturday Night Live" but tragically passed away from a drug overdose in 1997, just shy of his 34th birthday.
After completing his studies, Finn honed his improv skills in Chicago and joined the touring company of Second City. His breakthrough moment on television came when he landed a regular role on "The George Wendt Show," which, despite its short run of just eight episodes on CBS in 1995, marked a significant step in his career. He also had a recurring role on the long-running CBS sitcom "Murphy Brown" from 1995 to 1997.
Finn's extensive television repertoire further includes shows such as "Caroline in the City," "That '70s Show," "The King of Queens," "Third Rock From the Sun," "According to Jim," "Less Than Perfect," and many others, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
In addition to his acting career, Finn was passionate about education; he served as an adjunct professor teaching Improv for Strategic Communication at the University of Colorado and at his alma mater, Marquette University. His family noted, "He loved sharing the joys of improv and the gospel of 'yes, and' with anyone who was willing to learn."
Finn leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Donna Crowley Finn, along with their three children: Cassidy, Caitlin, and Ryan. The entertainment industry has lost a talented and warm-hearted individual whose contributions will be fondly remembered.
