Vale: Joe Flaherty

US comedian Joe Flaherty, best known for Freaks and Geeks, has died, aged 82.

He died on Monday following a brief illness.

“Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s,” his daughter Gudrun said in a statement.

“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.”

Flaherty starred in Canadian sketch comedy SCTV alongside John Candy and Catherine O’Hara. Former cast mates also included Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Dave Thomas and Andrea Martin.

He won Emmys in 1982 and 1983 for his writing on SCTV and continued to work in TV and film for decades.

In the 1999 he starred as the tough but loveable Mr Weir on Paul Feig’s cult TV series Freaks and Geeks.

Other credits included Frasier, Family Guy, The King of Queens, Slackers, Even Stevens, That 70s Show, American Dad, Back to the Future Part II, Happy Gilmore, Who’s Harry Crumb? and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.

“So sad to hear about dear Joe. He was my TV dad and a true comedy hero. Always happy to tell any story about your favourite SCTV sketch, he was just the greatest guy. I will truly miss him and always be grateful to have known him. Rest in comedy, Joe,” Paul Feig said on social media.

Freaks and Geeks co-star John Francis Daley also said, “Joe Flaherty made me crack up so hard it ruined takes. My favourite days on set were the ones where we had scenes together.”

“Couldn’t be more fun to have him heckle me on the golf course,” Adam Sandler said.

“The nicest guy you could know. Genius of a comedian. And a true sweetheart. Perfect combo. Much love to his kids and thanks to Joe for all the greatness he gave us all.”

“In over 50 years of our friendship, there were very few people as wise or hilarious when it came to comedy, teaching improvisation and the art of character work as Joe,” Martin Short told Variety. “In SCTV we called him the anchor. In life, he was simply the funniest man in the room. I just adored him.”

Source: ABC