Pat Finn, a veteran television actor known for his comedic roles in sitcoms spanning three decades, died at his home in Los Angeles, California, on Monday, December 22, 2025. He was 60 years old.
Finn died surrounded by family after a three-year battle with cancer. He had been diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022, and the cancer later metastasized after initially going into remission.
“After a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, family, and friends, we share the heartbreaking news of the death of Pat Finn,” his family said in a statement. “In Pat’s final days, he often showed the biggest signs when the Bears scored a touchdown. No pressure Bears – just saying – do it for Pat.”
Over his 30-year career, Finn became a familiar face on American television, appearing in numerous popular sitcoms. He played Bill Norwood on ABC’s “The Middle,” portraying one of the Heck family’s neighbors and close friends. He also had a recurring role as Phil Jr. on “Murphy Brown,” playing the son of the original bar owner who took over after his father left the establishment.
Finn made memorable appearances on several iconic television comedies. He played Joe Mayo on “Seinfeld” and had guest spots on “Friends” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” His other television credits included roles in various sitcoms throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
His film work included appearances in “Dude Where’s My Car?” and “It’s Complicated.” Finn also appeared in the 2015 documentary “I Am Chris Farley,” which chronicled the life of the late Saturday Night Live star.
Born in Evanston, Illinois, Finn grew up in nearby Wilmette. He graduated from Loyola Academy in 1983 and from Marquette University in 1987. It was at Marquette that Finn met Chris Farley, who would become one of his closest friends.
“Chris was more than a friend; he was family,” Finn said in a previous interview. “We shared a passion for making people laugh and never lost sight of why we got into this business.”
The friendship and shared love of comedy would shape both of their careers in the entertainment industry.
After college, Finn pursued improvisational comedy and joined Second City Chicago, one of the country’s premier comedy training grounds. During this period, Finn worked alongside Neil Flynn, who would later become his co-star on “The Middle.”
Beyond his performing career, Finn dedicated significant time to teaching improvisation and comedy. He served as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he taught improvisation and communication courses. As an alumnus, he continued to support both Loyola Academy and Marquette University, offering current students improv lessons and workshops.
In the months before his death, a fundraiser was launched to support his family during his ongoing cancer treatment. The campaign raised over $100,000 from his community of friends, family, and supporters, demonstrating the broad reach of his impact on those who knew him.
His wife Donna survives him. The couple met during his time at Marquette University. Finn is also survived by his three children: daughters Cassidy and Caitlin, and son Ryan.
Finn’s career exemplified the path many successful comedy actors have taken from Chicago’s improv scene to Hollywood. His work at Second City and other Chicago comedy institutions provided the foundation for a television career spanning multiple decades and including appearances on some of the most beloved sitcoms in American television history.
