Legendary SCTV comedian, Joe Flaherty passes away at 82
Legendary comedian Joe Flaherty — a founding cast member and writer at the beloved Canadian comedy sketch show, SCTV, died Monday at the age of 82. Flaherty may have been born in the U.S., but an SCTV castmate says he was an adopted son of Canada.
Aside from his SCTV infamy in Canada, Joe Flaherty, was renowned for his roles as Harold Weir in “Freaks and Geeks,” Donald in “Happy Gilmore,” and the Western Union Man in “Back to the Future Part II.” He passed away on Monday, April 1, after a brief undisclosed illness.
The news of Flaherty’s passing was confirmed to the Canadian press by his daughter, Gudrun Flaherty. “After a brief illness, he left us yesterday, and since then, I’ve been struggling to come to terms with this immense loss,” Gudrun said. “Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s. His insights into the golden age of cinema didn’t just shape his professional life; they were also a source of endless fascination for me. In these last few months, as he faced his health challenges, we had the precious opportunity to watch many of those classic movies together — moments I will forever hold dear.”
The Second City fundraiser
Earlier in February, Toronto’s Second City comedy troupe organized a fundraiser to assist with the late actor’s medical expenses.
Gudrun’s statement continued, “Cinema wasn’t merely a hobby for him; it profoundly influenced his career, particularly his unforgettable time with ‘SCTV.’ He cherished every moment spent on the show, so proud of its success and so proud to be part of an amazing cast. Recently, the ‘SCTV’ cast reminisced, saying, ‘All of us “SCTV” castmates owe him a huge debt of gratitude; he was the creative anchor that kept us honest and inspired.” It’s a testament to his indelible mark on everyone he worked with.
The fundraiser’s statement read, “Our beloved SCTV cast member, Joe Flaherty, is very ill. Joe is aware of the gravity of his failing health and would like to spend whatever time he has left at home rather than in a facility.”
Freaks & Geeks
Flaherty’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from his co-stars and fans. John Francis Daley, who played his son Sam in “Freaks and Geeks,” reminisced on X (formerly Twitter), “Joe Flaherty made me crack up so hard it ruined takes. My favorite days on set were the ones where we had scenes together. What a lovely guy.”
Paul Feig, the creator of “Freaks and Geeks,” also honoured Flaherty on X, saying, “So sad to hear about dear Joe. He was my TV dad and a true comedy hero. Always happy to tell any story about your favorite SCTV sketch, he was just the greatest guy. I will truly miss him and always be grateful to have known him. Rest in comedy, Joe.”
Adam Sandler, Flaherty’s co-star in “Happy Gilmore,” shared his memories on Instagram, “Oh man. 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.”
Martin Short paid tribute to Flaherty in a statement to Variety, saying: “In over 50 years of our friendship, there were very few people as wise or hilarious when it came to comedy, teaching improvisation and the art of character work as Joe. In ‘SCTV’ we called him the anchor. In life, he was simply the funniest man in the room. I just adored him.”
The ‘X’-verse
The news of Joe Flaherty’s passing sent shockwaves through the ‘X’ (Twitter) community, with friends and fellow actors sharing heartfelt tributes and memories. George Stroumboulopoulos fondly remembered Flaherty’s role in SCTV, noting how his comedic genius reverberated through living rooms.
Scott Thompson humorously reflected on Count Floyd’s newfound time for scary films now that Flaherty, the driving force behind SCTV, has left us.
Dave Foley’s afternoon of laughter mingled with sadness encapsulated the complex emotions evoked by Flaherty’s comedic legacy. Tom Green acknowledged Flaherty’s impact on comedy, marking his passing as a loss for the industry.
Mark Hamill paid tribute to Flaherty’s contributions to SCTV, a groundbreaking show that revolutionized sketch comedy.
John Cusack highlighted Flaherty’s role in creating one of television’s best comedies, noting its originality and impact.
Brent Butt’s personal anecdote showcased Flaherty’s welcoming nature and legendary status, emphasizing the profound influence he had on those he worked with. Collectively, these tributes paint a picture of Joe Flaherty as not just a comedic genius but also a beloved mentor and friend whose legacy will continue to inspire laughter and creativity in the world of comedy.
In The Beginning
Joseph O’Flaherty, born on June 21, 1941, in Pittsburgh, was the eldest of seven siblings. His father worked as a production clerk at Westinghouse Electric, and the family faced financial challenges, with assistance from charitable groups during difficult times, such as receiving food from church nuns.
The Air Force
After completing his education at Central Catholic High School, O’Flaherty enlisted in the Air Force at just 17 years old. His initial exposure to theater at Pittsburgh Playhouse before his military service ignited his passion for acting. Upon leaving the Air Force, he returned to theater studies, particularly focusing on drama, but an unexpected comedic turn during a performance of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” revealed his knack for eliciting laughter from audiences.
Second City Chicago, Toronto and SCTV
Initially drawn to dramatic acting, O’Flaherty found himself increasingly interested in comedy as he pursued acting opportunities. This pursuit led him to Chicago and The Second City, an improvisational comedy theater where he discovered his love for comedic performance.
Reflecting on this pivotal period, O’Flaherty shared with WESA Pittsburgh, “From that point on, it was all comedy.”
During his seven years with The Second City in Chicago, O’Flaherty decided to change his surname to avoid confusion with another actor already registered with Actors’ Equity. He later moved to Toronto to assist in establishing a branch of The Second City, solidifying his connection to Canada.
Emmy Award for Outstanding Writer
His involvement with “SCTV” (Second City Television) marked a significant milestone in his career. Premiering in 1976, “SCTV” gained acclaim for its satirical sketches and parodies, earning accolades such as Emmy Awards for outstanding writing. O’Flaherty’s contributions to the show showcased his comedic range and talent, earning him a lasting place in comedy history.Flaherty was known for his celebrity impressions on “SCTV,” including Kirk Douglas, Richard Nixon, Art Garfunkel, Gregory Peck and Alan Alda. He also appeared on the show as a myriad of original characters, including SCTV president Guy Caballero, Big Jim McBob and of course who can’t forget, Count Floyd! “SCTV” was nominated for nine Primetime Emmy Awards for outstanding writing in a variety or music program and took home two.
Back To the Future
Post-“SCTV,” O’Flaherty remained active in both Canadian and American entertainment industries, appearing in notable roles such as the Western Union man in “Back to the Future Part II.” His dedication to comedy and his craft continued to shine through various television and film projects.
Joe O’Flaherty’s legacy extends beyond his work on screen; he also impacted aspiring comedians as an artist in residence at Humber College in Toronto.
Was Joe Flaherty Canadian?
“It’s incredible how we all thought he was Canadian,” shared fans and former co-stars as they mourned the passing of Joe Flaherty.
Jennifer Tilly, who shared the screen with Flaherty in 1997’s The Wrong Guy, reminisced, “Working with Joe was a dream come true. He was flawless in his performances—a true master of comedy. His loss is deeply felt.”
Comedian Stewart Reynolds from Ontario fondly remarked, “Joe Flaherty, an American who exuded so much Canadian coolness that we all just assumed he was one of us. Thank you, Floyd Robertson,” referencing Flaherty’s iconic portrayal of the news anchor on SCTV.
Flaherty’s journey from Pittsburgh to Toronto solidified his honorary Canadian status through his extensive contributions to Canadian television and comedy.
His move to Toronto marked a pivotal moment, as he helped establish the Canadian branch of The Second City, cementing his ties to the country and its entertainment industry. Flaherty’s talent shone in Canadian productions such as his role as Kirk Dirkwood on CTV’s David Steinberg Show, Mayor Andrews in the sitcom Call Me Fitz, and his recurring character in the Vancouver-based series Robson Arms. His guest appearance on Royal Canadian Air Farce further endeared him to Canadian audiences.
Joe’s daughter Gurdun had these final thoughts she expressed to the media,“My father, Joe Flaherty, was a loving and caring presence in my life. No matter the situation, he was always there with a joke to brighten my day or wise words to guide me. His absence has created a void in my heart that feels overwhelming right now. As I navigate through this journey of grief, I find comfort in the cherished memories we shared and the profound impact he had on everyone around him. His spirit, humor, and love will forever be a part of me. My dad was a gentle and kind soul who touched the lives of many through his work. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who supported and cared for him; he found joy in bringing laughter to people’s lives. While his loss is deeply felt, we are thankful to God for the time we had with him.”
lead photo By MTDb – http://mercury.vebto.com/people/41603-joe-flaherty, CC BY-SA 2.0
by Myles Shane
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