Joe Flaherty, the actor, writer, and comedian known for SCTV, Freaks and Geeks, and much more, has died at 82.
News of his passing arrived on April 2 when Joel Murray, who starred alongside Flaherty in the 1986 rom-com One Crazy Summer, shared a post on X/Twitter in tribute, writing, "We've lost another of my idols. RIP Joe Flaherty 1941-2024."
We’ve lost another of my idols. RIP Joe Flaherty
— Joel Murray (@JoelMurray9of9) April 2, 2024
1941-2024 pic.twitter.com/bcVtfaAiPG
Flaherty is known for his eight-year stint as a writer and performer on the Canadian sketch comedy SCTV, during which he played an eclectic mix of beloved characters, including Big Jim McBob, Guy Caballero, and SCTV News anchor Floyd Robertson, who donned a vampire costume when playing his alter-ego Count Floyd.
He also appeared on various TV shows over the years, such as the early '90s sitcom Maniac Mansion, the short-lived Police Academy series, and the NBC comedy-drama Freaks and Geeks from Paul Feig and Judd Apatow, which became a cult classic despite only lasting for a single season, comprising 18 episodes.
Among his many other credits, Flaherty had several memorable movie roles, including playing the Western Union postal worker who delivered a 70-year-old letter to Marty McFly in Back to the Future Part II — a role he reprised in the Family Guy Star Wars spoof Something, Something, Something, Dark Side.
Flaherty also had a small but unforgettable part in the 1996 sports comedy Happy Gilmore, starring Adam Sandler as the titular ice hockey player turned golfer. Flaherty was the jeering fan hired by Christopher McDonald's Shooter McGavin to heckle Happy, famously yelling "jackass" in one scene-stealing moment.
The tributes were quick to pour in as news of his death circulated online, with legions of friends, fans, and industry colleagues remembering some of his most remarkable performances and warm personality on and off-screen.
We are saddened to learn of the recent passing of actor Joe Flaherty. Joe portrayed the Western Union Man in Back to the Future Part II. https://t.co/xp3LvXnIB6 pic.twitter.com/QLOzRX1dzY
— Back to the Future™ (@BacktotheFuture) April 2, 2024
No one could have played the role of Donald like Joe Flaherty did. His comedic delivery was perfect and his role alone made Happy Gilmore the classic it is today. He will be missed. Rest easy Joe pic.twitter.com/npdVOjQFpp
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) April 2, 2024
Joe Flaherty was kind enough to fish out his old costume and reprise Count Floyd for one last time on one of my MonsterVision episodes and he was hilarious. One of the nicest guys ever. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/iMX7ij4Rze
— Joe Bob Briggs (@therealjoebob) April 2, 2024
Joe Flaherty amazing of course in his work on SCTV and bit roles in film but for me he was a beating heart to Freaks and Geeks as Harold Weir, the perfect encapsulation of the Midwestern Dad. Responsible for some of the funniest or emotionally resonant moments. pic.twitter.com/gSXr1btqN1
— Blake ™ (@NeilNevins) April 2, 2024
#RIP to the amazingly talented Joe Flaherty. From his days on SCTV to Freaks and Geeks. He was a comic legend. To me he will always be the Western Union guy from Back To The Future 2. It was a small part but very memorable. #RIPJoeFlaherty pic.twitter.com/NBKRMbDhnS
— TC RESTANI (@AfterHoursTC) April 2, 2024
Joe Flaherty played my dad in “The Wrong Guy.” I was so thrilled to be able to work with him. His performance was pitch perfect. A great comedian. Gone too soon. https://t.co/7qFnjGAoM1
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) April 2, 2024
Joe Flaherty made me crack up so hard it ruined takes. My favorite days on set were the ones where we had scenes together. What a lovely guy.
— John Francis Daley (@JohnFDaley) April 2, 2024
Flaherty is survived by his two children Gabriel and Gudrun.
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter @AdeleAnkers.
