Pat Finn, a veteran comedy actor best known for playing the Heck family’s friendly neighbor Bill Norwood on “The Middle,” passed away Monday at the age of 60. His death followed a three-year battle with cancer.
“After a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, family, and friends, we share the heartbreaking news of the death of Pat Finn,” his family said in a statement released to multiple outlets.
Finn’s manager, Andrea Pett-Joseph, described the actor as “the kindest, most joyful person in any room” and told Deadline that he died surrounded by his family and friends. The news of his passing was first reported by TMZ.
Finn began his career in show business during the 1990s, appearing in various sitcoms. His first major role was on “The George Wendt Show,” where he played Dan Coleman, the brother of Wendt’s character, George Coleman. He also had a recurring role on “Murphy Brown” as Phil Jr., who took over Phil’s Bar after the original owner and bartender (played by Pat Corley).
Fans of classic sitcoms might remember Finn from his role as Joe Mayo in the “Seinfeld” episode “The Reverse Peephole.” He also appeared as Dr. Roger, alternate-universe Monica’s boyfriend, in a few episodes of “Friends.”
Finn’s numerous television credits include roles on “The Drew Carey Show,” “3rd Rock From the Sun,” “That ’70s Show,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “2 Broke Girls,” and “The Goldbergs.” His most recent film appearances were in “Unexpected” (2023) and “Diamond in the Rough” (2022).
Born in Evanston, Illinois, Finn attended Marquette University in the 1980s, where he met his future wife, Donna, and formed a friendship with Chris Farley. After graduating, Finn and Farley joined Chicago’s renowned Second City comedy troupe to refine their skills.
In a 2022 interview with Phoenix.org, Finn shared his passion for comedy: “My mom and I watched ‘The Carol Burnett Show’ and ‘The Odd Couple.’ I really liked the idea of sitcoms. Growing up in Chicago, nobody said they wanted to be an actor. They wanted to be firefighters or in sales. A career in comedy didn’t become a reality until I was picked up by The Second City and then the main stage.”
According to a statement provided to the New York Post, Finn was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022. Although he initially went into remission, the cancer later returned and metastasized.
A lifelong Chicago Bears fan, Finn “often showed the biggest signs when the Bears scored a touchdown” during his final days, his family said. “No pressure Bears, just saying do it for Pat.”
Pat Finn is survived by his wife, Donna, and their three children: Cassidy, Caitlin, and Ryan.
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2025-12-24/pat-finn-the-middle-seinfeld-friends-actor-dead
