'Freaks and Geeks' star Joe Flaherty dies at 82, co-stars react: 'Gone too soon'
Actor and comedian Joe Flaherty, who played Harold Weir on the short-lived NBC comedy hit "Freaks and Geeks," has died at 82.
Flaherty died after a "brief illness" his daughter, Gudrun Flaherty, told Variety and The New York Times.
The actor's other most recognizable roles were as a cast member on the sketch series "SCTV." On the cult classic "Freaks and Geeks," Flaherty played a parent of the Weir kids from 1999 to 2000. The series featured a slew of Hollywood stars who catapulted to fame after appearing on the show with Flaherty including Jason Segel, James Franco, Seth Rogen and Busy Philipps.
He was also a recurring comedian on "SCTV," the television sketch show for Toronto's Second City troupe from 1981 to 1983 with stars such as Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara and John Candy.
The comedian can also be remembered for his appearance in "Happy Gilmore" with Adam Sandler.
The Pittsburgh native's death comes after a February fundraiser was created by Comedic Artists Alliance to raise money for Flaherty.
Adam Sandler, Martin Scorsese, more stars mourn death of Joe Flaherty
Flaherty's former co-stars and celebrity admirers paid tribute to him on social media after news of his death broke.
"Oh man. Worshipped Joe growing up. Always had me and my brother laughing," Adam Sandler wrote on Instagram. "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."
Actor Joel Murray, who co-starred with Flaherty in the 1986 movie "One Crazy Summer," paid his respects on X. "We’ve lost another of my idols. RIP Joe Flaherty 1941-2024," Murray wrote.
"In over 50 years of our friendship, there were very few people as wise or hilarious when it came to comedy, teaching improvisation and the art of character work as Joe,” said Martin Short in a statement to Rolling Stone. “In 'SCTV' we called him the anchor. In life, he was simply the funniest man in the room. I just adored him.”
"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," his co-star and "Chucky" actress Jennifer Tilly posted on X.
"I hope that I was able to express my admiration and my love for his work on 'SCTV' and beyond," said Martin Scorsese in a statement to Rolling Stone. “I’ve always been drawn to comedians and comic actors — they have to be disciplined, observant, practiced. ... And Joe was great, a true master of his art."
"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, who portrayed Flaherty's son on "Freaks & Geeks," said on X.
Paul Feig, the creator of "Freaks and Geeks," called Flaherty his "TV dad and a true comedy hero" in a tribute posted to X.
"So sad to hear about dear Joe," Feig wrote. "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."
Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Flaherty dead: 'Freaks & Geeks' star was 82