Pat Finn, a veteran television actor known for his comedic roles on sitcoms including “The Middle,” “Seinfeld,” and “Murphy Brown,” died December 22, 2025, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 60 years old.
Finn died from cancer after a three-year cancer battle, his manager, Andrea Pett-Joseph, confirmed. The actor was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022 and went into remission before the cancer returned and metastasized.
His manager described Finn as a joyful and kind person who brought warmth to every interaction.
News of the actor’s death was announced on December 24, 2025. Finn was surrounded by family when he died. In statements from the family, they referenced Finn’s lifelong passion as a Chicago Bears fan.
Finn became a familiar presence on television screens throughout his three-decade career, establishing himself as a reliable character actor in the sitcom world. His most prominent role in recent years was playing Bill Norwood on the ABC family comedy “The Middle,” where he appeared in 23 episodes from 2011 to 2018 as one of the Heck family’s neighbors and close friends.
Earlier in his television career, Finn landed a recurring role on the CBS sitcom “Murphy Brown” as Phil Jr., the son of the original bar owner who took over the establishment after his father left. He also played Dan Coleman on “The George Wendt Show.”
“Seinfeld” fans recognized Finn from his memorable appearance in “The Reverse Peephole” episode in 1998, where he played Joe Mayo. He also portrayed Dr. Roger on “Friends” and appeared in the Nickelodeon series “Marvin Marvin.”
His extensive television credits included guest appearances on numerous popular series throughout his career.
On the big screen, Finn appeared in several feature films, including “Dude, Where’s My Car?,” “It’s Complicated,” and “I Love You, Beth Cooper.”
A native of Evanston, Illinois, Finn’s path to comedy began during his college years at Marquette University, where he met comedian Chris Farley. The two became close friends and were inseparable during their time at the school. Both graduated from Marquette in 1987.
Following graduation, Finn and Farley joined the legendary Second City comedy troupe in Chicago, where they honed their improvisational skills. Finn’s training in improv comedy became a foundation for his later television work and teaching career.
Throughout his career, Finn remained dedicated to sharing his craft with aspiring performers. He taught improv at multiple universities, including serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. He also conducted classes at his alma mater Marquette University, where he frequently returned to campus to teach improvisation courses and conduct workshops. His classes proved so popular with students that they became the original inspiration for alumni-taught courses that continue at the university today.
In the months before his death, friends and supporters launched a GoFundMe campaign to help defray medical costs for his family. The campaign raised $120,000, reflecting the widespread affection and support from his community of colleagues, friends, and fans.
Finn is survived by his wife, Donna Finn, to whom he was married for 35 years. The couple has three children: Cassidy, Caitlin, and Ryan. He is also survived by his parents, Leo and Betty Finn.
Beyond his professional accomplishments in television and film, Finn was remembered for his warm personality and dedication to family. His manager and colleagues consistently described him as someone who brought joy and kindness to every interaction, both on and off set.
Finn’s career spanned an era when character actors became beloved fixtures in American households through their recurring roles on popular sitcoms. His ability to bring warmth and humor to supporting roles made him a sought-after performer in the television comedy landscape.