With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of the great actor who touched our hearts with his roles. Joe Flaherty, known for his memorable performances in “Freaks and Geeks” and “Happy Gilmore,” has died at the age of 82.

Joe Flaherty’s career began with his groundbreaking work on “SCTV”, where he was a member of the original cast starting in 1976. He brought to life unforgettable characters like Count Floyd, Big Jim McBob, and Guy Caballero. His impersonations of famous personalities, from Kirk Douglas to Elvis Presley, showcased his incredible range and talent.

Flaherty’s role as Harold Weir on the cult classic “Freaks and Geeks” resonated deeply with fans. He portrayed a loving yet stern father to two teenagers, capturing the complexities and nuances of parenthood with humor and heart.

In Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore”, Flaherty played Donald, a memorable character that added to the film’s comedic charm.

The sad news was shared by Joel Murray, known for his work in “One Crazy Summer,” on X (formerly Twitter). Joel wrote, “We’ve lost another of my idols. RIP Joe Flaherty.”

Flaherty’s daughter, Gudrun Flaherty, confirmed the passing of her father. “After a brief illness, he left us yesterday, and since then, I’ve been struggling to come to terms with this immense loss,” she wrote. “Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s.”

Gudrun shared touching memories of her father, emphasizing his love for classic cinema. “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 news of Flaherty’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from his friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry.

John Francis Daley, author and director, shared, “Joe Flaherty made me laugh so hard that it ruined takes. The days we had scenes together were my favorites on set. What a nice guy.”

Jennifer Tilly, actress, reminisced about working with him, “Joe Flaherty played my dad in ‘The Wrong Guy.’ I was thrilled to be able to work with him. The way he played was perfect. A great jokester. Gone too soon.”

Colin Mochrie, comedian and regular on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, said, “Working with Joe Flaherty a few times was a huge blessing for me. A nice guy who made everyone laugh a lot. I’m very sorry for his family and friends’ loss.”

Joe Bob Briggs shared a heartfelt memory, “I was lucky enough to have Joe Flaherty dig out his old costume and play Count Floyd one last time on one of my MonsterVision episodes. He was great! The nicest guy ever.”

Mark Meer, star and comedian, expressed his sorrow, “I’m really sorry to hear this sad news. When I was younger and watched SCTV, Joe Flaherty was one of my favorite comedians. After many years, I found out for myself that he was also a really great guy. Much love tonight to all who love Joe.”

Joe Flaherty’s contributions to comedy and television have left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. His ability to bring characters to life with humor and heart will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the joy and laughter he brought to so many.

Rest in peace, Joe Flaherty. Your legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.