Remembering Joe Flaherty
Renowned comedian Joe Flaherty, a founding member of the Canadian sketch series SCTV, has died at the age of 82. His daughter confirmed to the Canadian Press that he passed away on Monday after a brief illness.
Flaherty rose to prominence through his memorable roles on SCTV, portraying characters like Count Floyd, news anchor Floyd Robertson, and the iconic SCTV station manager, Guy Caballero. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Flaherty served in the United States Air Force before transitioning to acting. He joined the Second City Theatre troupe in Chicago before moving to Toronto, where he co-established the Toronto Second City theatre troupe and found success on SCTV as both a performer and writer.
Fond Memories of a Comedy Legend
Throughout the 1990s, Flaherty remained a fixture in television comedies, with notable roles in sitcoms like Maniac Mansion and the Police Academy television reboot. In 1999, he gained widespread recognition for his role as Harold Weir in the beloved NBC comedy Freaks and Geeks.
Flaherty’s talents extended to the big screen, including a memorable role in Happy Gilmore as a sabotaging golf fan. In addition to his acting career, he taught comedy writing at Humber College in Toronto and served on the program’s advisory committee.
Colleagues and friends from the comedy world shared their condolences on social media, remembering Flaherty as a hilarious and talented individual. His daughter, Gudrun Flaherty, reflected on his passion for cinema and his pride in being part of the SCTV cast, emphasizing his boundless heart and unwavering dedication to his craft.