Happy Gilmore actor Joe Flaherty has sadly passed 82 years old.
The Hollywood actor was famous for starring in hit TV series like Freaks and Geeks as well as with Adam Sandler in the comedy film Happy Gilmore. Joe’s passing was announced by Mad Men star Joel Murray On X, formerly known as Twitter.
The pair were close pals after previously starring together on the 1986 movie One Crazy Summer. Joel said: “We’ve lost another of my idols. RIP Joe Flaherty 1941-2024.”
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Hollywood legend Jenifer Tilly also paid tribute to the actor, She quoted Joel’s post and wrote: “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.”
(Image: Universal Pictures)
Joe’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed but in February it was revealed that he underwent a health battle when members of his improv comedy group organised a fundraiser. Ahead of his death, the group Second City worked to raise money to go towards his medical bills. Martin Short, who was a member of the group, spoke out about the fundraiser at the time and dubbed the late actor as a “mentor.”
(Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
He said: “Our beloved SCTV cast member, Joe Flaherty, is very ill. Joe is aware of the gravity of his failing health and would like to spend whatever time he has left at home rather than in a facility.”
The message went on: “Joe’s daughter, Gudrun, is currently Joe’s sole caregiver. Unfortunately, neither Gudrun nor Joe has the financial means to hire the 24-hour care he will require at home. We understand the cost of such care will be about 20k a month. Our hope is to raise the funds needed to honor Joe’s wishes.
(Image: Universal Pictures)
We are writing to our friends because we believe SCTV meant something to you, and that would not be the case if it were not for Joe Flaherty,’ the message continued, without going into detail about Flaherty’s health issues.
“He was a mentor, a director, and an inspiring improviser who gave us many of the tools we are still using in the careers he helped kickstart. And he made us all laugh! We believe that you would want to know about Joe’s condition and, perhaps, even want to contribute towards his home care.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
