Pat Finn, the beloved television actor and comedian best known for his recurring role as Bill Norwood on The Middle, has died at the age of 60. Finn passed away on Monday, December 22, at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by friends and family, according to his manager, Andrea Pett-Joseph.
Confirming the news to Deadline, Pett-Joseph remembered Finn as “the kindest, most joyful person in any room,” a sentiment echoed widely across the comedy and television community.
Cause of Death and Health Struggles
Finn was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022. After treatment, the illness later returned and spread. In recent months, close friends and colleagues organized a GoFundMe campaign to help support Finn’s family with medical expenses, raising nearly $118,000.
Tributes Pour In From Comedy Community
Following the announcement of his death, tributes flooded social media from fellow comedians, writers, and fans.
Comedian Jeff Dye wrote on X that Finn was “one of the best dudes I knew with a PERFECT sense of humor,” while comedy writer Brian Stack remembered him as both “brilliantly hilarious” and deeply kind.
Finn’s warmth, generosity, and professionalism left a lasting impression on everyone who worked with him.
A Career Spanning Decades of Iconic TV Shows
Over a career that spanned several decades, Pat Finn built an impressive résumé across some of television’s most popular comedies. He appeared in episodes of:
- Seinfeld
- Friends
- Curb Your Enthusiasm
- The King of Queens
- That ’70s Show
- Third Rock from the Sun
- The Goldbergs
His most notable role came on ABC’s The Middle, where he appeared in 23 episodes between 2011 and 2018 as Bill Norwood, a character fondly remembered by fans of the series.
Film Work and Comedy Roots
In addition to television, Finn appeared in several feature films, including:
- Dude, Where’s My Car?
- It’s Complicated
- I Love You, Beth Cooper
A native of Evanston, Illinois, Finn was a proud Second City alumnus and remained closely connected to the Chicago comedy scene throughout his life, frequently collaborating with fellow performers from his early improv days.
Remembered by Family and Loved Ones
Pat Finn is survived by his wife, Donna, and their children, Cassidy, Caitlin, and Ryan.
In a moving tribute, his daughter Cassidy wrote that her life was “forever changed” by her father, crediting him with teaching her to be funny, positive, humble, and kind.
“I’ve never met a single person who had a bad thing to say about my dad,” she wrote, capturing the deep affection felt by those who knew him.
Final Thoughts
Pat Finn’s legacy lives on through the countless laughs he brought to television audiences and the kindness he showed behind the scenes. Whether in a brief guest role or a recurring character, Finn had a unique ability to leave a lasting impact—both on screen and in the lives of those around him.
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