Pat Finn, 'The Middle' and 'Friends' Actor, Dies at 60 After Cancer Battle

Hollywood has lost a familiar, friendly face. Pat Finn, the versatile character actor known for his memorable roles in sitcoms like 'The Middle' and 'Friends,' has died at the age of 60. A representative for the late star confirmed to Entertainment Weekly on Wednesday that Finn passed away Monday night following a three-year battle with cancer.

A Beloved Figure On and Off Screen

According to a GoFundMe page launched by his loved ones a month before his death, Finn had been battling bladder cancer "on and off for the better part of three years." The fundraiser, which has raised more than $118,000, was created to support his surviving family. "He was the kindest, most joyful person in any room, and was surrounded by his incredibly close and loving family and friends," his representative said, referring to his wife, Donna, and their children, Cassidy, Caitlin, and Ryan.

His daughter Cassidy shared a moving tribute on Instagram, calling her father a "role model" and an "inspiration." She wrote, "The least shocking thing was hearing the nurses say they have never seen so many people show up at a hospital for someone. That was my dad... I've never met a single person who had a bad thing to say about my dad."

A Career Forged in Comedy

Born in 1965, Finn honed his comedic skills in Chicago after graduating from Marquette University, where he met his wife and his best friend, the late comedian Chris Farley. He joined the famed Second City Chicago and performed with Improv Olympic Chicago. Finn became a household name playing Bill Norwood, the Hecks' neighbor on ABC's 'The Middle' from 2011 to 2018. His extensive television credits also include appearances on 'Seinfeld,' 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' 'Murphy Brown,' and a memorable role in 'Friends.' His film work included 'Dude, Where's My Car?' and Nancy Meyers' 'It’s Complicated.'