Joe Flaherty, the comedic actor renowned for his roles in numerous classic movies and shows spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s, passed away at the age of 82 on Monday, April 1.
His demise prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and admirers who revered his extensive body of work.
Joel Murray, co-star of the 1986 film “One Crazy Summer,” mourned Flaherty’s loss on Twitter, expressing his sorrow over the passing of one of his idols.
Similarly, Jennifer Tilly fondly recalled her experience working with Flaherty on “The Wrong Guy,” praising his impeccable performance and comedic brilliance.
Flaherty appeared in iconic roles such as the Western Union employee in “Back to the Future Part II” and the heckler in “Happy Gilmore.” However, it was his portrayal of Harold Weir, the father in “Freaks and Geeks,” that solidified his status as a beloved character actor.
Martin Short, Flaherty’s former SCTV castmate, paid homage to his comedic genius and mentorship in improvisation and character work, affectionately referring to him as the anchor of their ensemble.
Adam Sandler, reflecting on his admiration for Flaherty, described him as a comedic genius and a kind-hearted individual, expressing gratitude for the laughter and inspiration he brought to audiences worldwide.
