The entertainment world mourns the loss of Joe Flaherty, a revered figure in comedy, who passed away at the age of 82 after a brief illness, as confirmed by his daughter to Global News.
Flaherty left an indelible mark on audiences with his work on the beloved NBC comedy series “Freaks and Geeks” and as a memorable counterpart to Adam Sandler in the film “Happy Gilmore.”
Actor and comedian Joe Flaherty dead at 82 https://t.co/73ZmYrEV7D
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) April 2, 2024
Following the news of his passing, tributes from fans and colleagues alike have poured in on social media. Among them, Shooter McGavin, a character from “Happy Gilmore,” was quoted on Twitter saying, “No one could have played the role of Donald like Joe Flaherty did.” McGavin praised Flaherty’s impeccable comedic timing, crediting him for contributing significantly to the film’s enduring success and noting his absence will be deeply felt.
Before making a splash in comedy, Flaherty dedicated years of service to the United States Air Force. His comedic journey gained momentum with his involvement in the Second City Theater in Chicago, eventually leading to the establishment of the Toronto Second City Theatre troupe.
Flaherty became a staple in 1990s television comedy, featuring prominently in “Maniac Mansion” and the “Police Academy” series reboot, among other projects. His career also included roles in “Clone High,” “Family Guy,” “Big Bang Theory,” and “The Kings of Queens,” showcasing his versatile talent across a range of comedic platforms. Beyond his performances, Flaherty was committed to nurturing new talent, teaching comedy writing at Humber College in Toronto and contributing to the college’s comedy program advisory committee.
Colin Mochrie, a fellow comedian, expressed how lucky he felt to have worked with Flaherty. John Francis Daley also shared memories of Flaherty’s ability to spontaneously elicit laughter, often disrupting film takes with his humor.
