Biff Wiff, the veteran character actor who gained widespread recognition for his distinctive performances in the Netflix sketch comedy series “I Think You Should Leave” and the Oscar-winning film “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” has died following a battle with cancer, his talent management company announced Friday, February 14, 2025.

Entertainment Lab, Wiff’s management company, shared the news through his Instagram account, expressing “heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones.” Wiff was in his 60s at the time of his death. 

The actor became mainly known for his portrayal of an unconventional Santa Claus in the “Detective Crashmore” sketches on “I Think You Should Leave,” a role that was “ranked among the best in the show’s first two seasons.” His performance as the vulgar, revenge-seeking version of Santa Claus became a fan favorite, showcasing his unique comedic timing and delivery. 

Tim Robinson, Wiff’s co-star from “I Think You Should Leave,” honored his memory by sharing a photo and clip from the show on his Instagram story. Wiff also appeared in the show’s memorable “Shirt Brothers” sketch opposite Robinson, further cementing his place in the series’ pantheon of beloved characters. 

His television career spanned multiple decades, beginning with appearances on numerous classic series from the 1980s and 1990s. Early roles included parts in “Moonlighting,” “Night Court,” “L.A. Law,” and “Roseanne,” establishing him as a reliable character actor across different genres. 

As his career progressed through the 2000s and 2010s, Wiff continued to secure roles in popular series, appearing in “Roswell,” “Reba,” “True Jackson VP,” “iCarly,” “The Mentalist,” and “Pretty Little Liars.” His versatility as an actor was further demonstrated through appearances in more recent productions, including “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Westworld,” “Fresh off the Boat,” “9-1-1,” “PEN15,” and “Jury Duty.” He also took on the unique challenge of portraying himself in the FXX series “Dave.” 

According to the entertainment news website AVClub, “Comedy casting directors recogniz[ed] the unique energy he could bring to one-shot parts,” leading to increased opportunities in his later years. His career prospects notably improved with age, culminating in his roles in “I Think You Should Leave” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The latter film would win the Academy Award for Best Picture, adding an Oscar-winning production to his extensive resume. 

Despite facing serious health challenges, including a cancer recurrence that required hospitalization, Wiff maintained his commitment to his craft. A GoFundMe campaign organized by friends revealed that he had been “recovering at home and preparing to return to the set of the ‘Night Court’ reboot” before his condition worsened. The campaign, which raised over $127,000, detailed his ongoing cancer treatments and determination to return to acting. 

Wiff continued to make public appearances when possible. His final public engagement was at the Netflix Is A Joke festival in 2024, where he participated in showcasing an unaired “I Think You Should Leave” sketch, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to comedy and performance despite his health challenges.

His signature way of delivering lines, combined with his natural ability to infuse humor and warmth into every performance, earned him the admiration of fellow actors and directors, as noted by AVClub in their coverage of his passing. In his later years, he became cherished for his knack for captivating audiences, even in the briefest of appearances. Whether playing an eccentric character in a sketch or adding depth to a minor role in a major production, his timing, presence, and undeniable charm turned fleeting moments into lasting memories. His legacy as a beloved character actor will live on through the joy and laughter he brought to countless fans.