Joe Flaherty, an original cast member of Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV who will also be remembered for roles in Freaks and Geeks and Happy Gilmore, has died at the age of 82.
The actor and comedian died on Monday, April 1st, after a brief illness, his daughter told The Toronto Star.
Flaherty got his start with the Chicago comedy troupe Second City before relocating to Toronto in 1973. Alongside Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy, Andrea Martin, Dave Thomas, and Harold Ramis, Flaherty starred as an original cast member of SCTV, the influential Canadian sketch comedy series that ran for six seasons through 1984. For his efforts, Flaherty won Emmy Awards for outstanding writing in 1982 and 1983.
Flaherty later starred on Eugene Levy’s early ’90s sitcom Manic Mansion, based on the 1987 video game of the same name. He also had a role on Freaks and Geeks, playing A-1 Sporting Goods owner Harold Weir (the father of Linda Cardellini and John Francis Daley’s characters).
On the big screen, Flaherty made memorable appearances in Back to the Future II as a Western Union postal worker and in Happy Gilmore as Donald, a jeering fan who tormented Adam Sandler’s character by yelling “jackass!” every time he took a swing.
Later in his career, Flaherty made guest appearances on shows including That ’70s Show, Frasier, The King of Queens, and Family Guy.
Adam Sandler, who starred in Happy Gilmore, wrote in a tribute post that he, “Worshipped Joe growing up. Always had me and my brother laughing. Count Floyd, Guy Caballero. Any move he made. He crushed as border guard in Stripes. Couldn’t be more fun to have him heckle me on the golf course. 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.”
In his own tribute post, Judd Apatow recalled working with Flaherty on Freaks and Geeks. “When Joe Flaherty was on the set it felt magical. We were always so excited. We couldn’t believe he was a part of Freaks and Geeks. We loved him so much and told him all the time. He made everything he was in so much better. Joe was the kindest man, a brilliant actor and a GOAT in the world of comedy. Every moment with him was a treasure.”