Patricia Heaton, who played overworked mom Frankie Heck in The middleremembers his late co-star Pat Finn, who died earlier this week in Los Angeles.
Heaton shared several photos of Finn and his comrades The middle actors Neil Flynn, Jenn Ray and Julie Brown in a post on Instagram.
“One of the most wonderful and funniest human beings I know has gone to be with Jesus,” she wrote. “Pat Finn, known to most of you as Bill Norwood on The Middle, has been battling cancer in recent years. At the too-young age of 60, he leaves behind his sweetheart Donna and his three children. He was adored by all who knew him and leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship and wonderful comedy. He graced our film “Unexpected” with a scene-stealing turn as a mad psychiatrist. Our hearts are broken, but as faithful Catholics we know that we will meet again thanks to God’s mercy. Rest in peace dear brother #patfinn #restinpeace #love.
Finn died on December 22 at his home in Los Angeles after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 60 years old.
From 2011 to 2018, Finn played the kindly Bill Norwood in 23 episodes of The middleneighbor of the sitcom’s main characters, the Hecks, and good friend of Neil Flynn’s Mike Heck.
His other television credits include recurring roles in The George Wendt Show, Murphy Brown and his memorable portrayal of party character Joe Mayo in the episode “The Reverse Peephole” of Seinfeld in 1998.
He also appeared on That 70s show, The King of Queens, Friends, Third rock from the sun, Edas well as Yes, Honey, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Bernie Mac Show, Wizards of Waverly Place, 2 Broke Girls And The Goldbergsamong others. His film work included the 2000 comedy Man, where’s my car, I love you, Beth CooperAnd It’s complicated with Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.
Finn’s family released a heartfelt statement shared with Deadline, remembering him as someone who “never met strangers – only friends he didn’t yet know. He knew every state capital and every college football mascot. The family is certain that Pat’s dear friends and fellow Chicago legends Chris Farley, George Wendt and Mike Hagerty (aka Hags) save him a spot on the couch to watch their Bears beloved ones. The family asks for your privacy at this time. They also ask you to be kind, to try to make a person’s life a little easier each day and to Bear Down, that’s what Pat would want too.
