Celebrities Mourn the Loss of Comedian Joe Flaherty

Adam Sandler and more Hollywood stars reacted on Tuesday to the news that the original cast member of the hit SCTV series comedian Joe Flaherty had died at 82.

Flaherty — who played memorable characters on the popular Canadian sketch comedy series in the late 70s and early 80’s before he appeared in movies like “Happy Gilmore” and TV shows like “Freaks and Geeks” — died Monday after a brief illness, Flaherty’s daughter Gudrun told the Canadian Press.

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

Joe Flaherty, the actor, writer and comedian known for his roles on the Canadian sketch comedy series ‘Second City Television’ and ‘Freaks and Geeks,’ has died at the age of 82, his daughter confirms. https://t.co/t7gt5J6E2L

— NBC News (@NBCNews) April 3, 2024

Shortly after news of his death surfaced, stars like Sandler, Mark Hamill, and more shared tributes to the actor/comedian, The Hollywood Reporter noted.

“Oh man. Worshiped Joe growing up,” Sandler wrote on Instagram. “Always had me and my brother laughing. Count Floyd, Guy Caballero. Any move he made. He crushed as border guard in ‘Stripes.’”

“Couldn’t be more fun to have him heckle me on the golf course,” he added. “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.”

Flaherty’s “Freaks and Geeks” co-star John Francis Daley took to X and wrote, “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.”

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And “Freaks and Geeks” creator Paul Feig wrote, “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 favorite 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.”

“Star Wars” legend Mark Hamill shared on social media that, “SCTV was easily one of the greatest sketch comedies in the history of television with some of the most brilliant comic actors ever assembled in one show. Thank you Joe Flaherty- your legacy of laughs will last from here to eternity.”

While comedian Joe Green wrote that, “So sorry to hear about the loss of comedy legend Joe Flaherty today. One of my true heroes from SCTV. Growing up watching him made me think about comedy in a completely different way.”

“I was so lucky to get to work with him and spend time with him,” he added. “In fact he was our first celebrity guest on ‘The Tom Green Show’ and I was so excited to interview him – before we we were on MTV on this clip from a pilot we shot for the CBC in Ottawa Canada in the late 1990’s. Joe was one of the greatest of all time.  My condolences to his friends and family and to all of his fans around the world. Rest in peace Joe.”

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