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Pat Finn, a veteran television character actor and comedian who attended Marquette University, died Dec. 22 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 60.
Pat Finn, a respected television character actor and comedian, passed away at his home in Los Angeles on December 22 at the age of 60. His death was officially announced by Marquette's Diederich College of Communication on December 24 and subsequently confirmed by his manager, Andrea Pett-Joseph, to Deadline.
Finn's manager, Andrea Pett-Joseph, fondly remembered him as 'the kindest, most joyful person in any room.' He was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022. In the months leading up to his death, after the cancer had metastasized, friends initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist his family with medical expenses, which successfully raised $120,000.
Originally from Evanston, Illinois, a Chicago suburb, Pat Finn's comedic journey began at Marquette University, where he forged a friendship with fellow comedian Chris Farley. Following their graduation in 1987, both joined the renowned Second City improv troupe. By the mid-1990s, Finn had transitioned to television, securing recurring roles on 'The George Wendt Show' and 'Murphy Brown.' He became a recognizable face through his appearance as Joe Mayo in the classic 'Seinfeld' episode 'The Reverse Peephole' in 1998, and also played Dr. Roger in two episodes of 'Friends'.
Pat Finn boasted an impressive and diverse list of credits across television and film. He was particularly known for his role in 'The Middle,' appearing in 23 episodes between 2011 and 2018. His TV appearances also spanned 'Yes, Dear,' 'The Bernie Mac Show,' 'Wizards of Waverly Place,' '2 Broke Girls,' and 'The Goldbergs.' On the big screen, he featured in films such as 'Dude, Where’s My Car?' alongside Ashton Kutcher, 'It’s Complicated' with Meryl Streep and Steve Martin, and 'I Love You, Beth Cooper'.
Beyond his professional acting career, Finn maintained a strong and active relationship with Marquette University's College of Communication. He frequently returned to campus to conduct improvisation courses, which proved to be immensely popular among students. These successful workshops were the initial inspiration behind the Diederich Learning Labs, an ongoing series of one-credit courses taught by alumni today.
In a 2022 interview with Phoenix, Pat Finn reflected on his life and career with deep gratitude, stating, 'I always say, if you were to tell me as a college kid or high school kid I’d be living in LA, driving to the beach, surfing with my son, I’d think you were crazy. I don’t know how I fell into it. I feel so fortunate, and it fits. It feels right.' He is survived by his wife, Donna, and their three children: Cassidy, Caitlin, and Ryan.