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Actor Pat Finn passes away after cancer battle
Pat Finn, the American actor celebrated for his roles in Friends, Seinfeld, and The Middle, has died at the age of 60. He passed away at his Los Angeles home on Monday following a three-year struggle with cancer, according to reports in U.S. media.
Family remembers a life lived with joy
In a statement shared on social media, Finn's family described him as someone who "never met a stranger-only friends he didn't know yet." They added that he "lived his life fully-with joy and exuberance," leaving behind a legacy of warmth and connection.
A career spanning television and film
Finn's television journey began in 1995 with a role on The George Wendt Show, where he played the lead character's brother. He later secured a recurring part on Murphy Brown from 1995 to 1997.
In 1998, he appeared in Seinfeld as Joe Mayo, a party host notorious for offloading chores onto his guests. His guest roles in the late 1990s and early 2000s included appearances on The King of Queens, Friends, That '70s Show, and House.
Finn's most enduring role came as Bill Norwood in The Middle, where he featured across eight seasons from 2011 to 2018.
His film credits included It's Complicated (2009) and Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups (2012).
Improvisation and teaching: A passion beyond acting
Beyond his on-screen work, Finn was a dedicated improv performer and educator. He taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado and was part of the six-person improv troupe Beer Shark Mice.
"Pat coached, befriended, and mentored countless students over the years, and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone with an unkind word about him."
Family statement
Tributes pour in from colleagues
Fellow actor Richard Kind paid tribute to Finn on Instagram, calling him "one of the kindest, gentlest, funniest, and most down-to-earth people you could ever meet."
"Always positive, always helping you be funnier and better. A great dad, a great guy."
Richard Kind, via Instagram
Survivors and legacy
Finn is survived by his wife, Donna, their three children, and his parents and siblings. His family, friends, and fans remember him as a man who brought laughter and light to everyone he encountered.
