Pat Finn, a veteran comedy actor known for playing the Heck family's friendly neighbor Bill Norwood on “The Middle,” died Monday, reportedly after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 60 years old.
“After a beautiful life full of laughter, love, family and friends, we share the heartbreaking news of Pat Finn's death,” Finn's family said in a statement to several media outlets. Finn's manager, Andrea Pett-Joseph, who described the actor as “the kindest, happiest person in any room,” told Deadline that he died surrounded by his family and friends. His death was first reported by TMZ.
Finn broke into show business in the 1990s, appearing in several sitcoms. His first major role was on “The George Wendt Show,” where he played Dan Coleman, the brother of Wendt's character, George Coleman. He also had a recurring role on “Murphy Brown” as Phil Jr., the son of the original owner and bartender of Phil's Bar (played by Pat Corley), who took over the establishment in later seasons.
“Seinfeld” fans may remember Finn from his role as Joe Mayo in the episode “The Reverse Peephole.” He also played Dr. Roger, Monica's alternate universe boyfriend, in a couple of “Friends” episodes. Finn's credits also included roles on “The Drew Carey Show,” “3rd Rock From the Sun,” “That '70s Show,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “2 Broke Girls” and “The Goldbergs.” His most recent credits included the films “Unexpected” (2023) and “Diamond in the Rough” (2022).
Born in Evanston, Illinois, Finn attended Marquette University in the 1980s, where he met his future wife, Donna, and Chris Farley, whom he became friends with. After graduating, Finn, along with Farley, joined Chicago's Second City to hone his comedy skills.
In a 2022 interview published on Phoenix.org, Finn said he had always leaned toward comedy.
“My mom and I watched 'The Carol Burnett Show' and 'The Odd Couple,'” he said. “I really liked the idea of comedy. Growing up in Chicago, no one said they wanted to be an actor. They wanted to be a firefighter or a salesman… A career in comedy didn't become a reality until I got hired at The Second City and then on the main stage.”
According to a statement provided to the New York Post, Finn was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022. Although he went into remission, the cancer later returned and metastasized.
Finn, a lifelong Bears fan, “often showed the biggest signs when the Bears scored a touchdown” in his final days, according to the actor's family statement. “No pressure on the Bears, I'm just saying, do it for Pat.”
Finn is survived by his wife Donna and three children, Cassidy, Caitlin and Ryan.
