With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
'SCTV' star and comedian Joe Flaherty dies at 82
Former cast members of SCTV Dave Thomas (from left), Joe Flaherty, Catherine O'Hara, Andrea Martin, foreground, Harold Ramis, Eugene Levy and Martin Short, pose at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival on March 6, 1999, in Aspen, Colo. Flaherty, a founding member of the Canadian sketch series "SCTV," died Monday at age 82.
(
E Pablo Kosmicki
/
AP
)
TORONTO — Comedian Joe Flaherty, a founding member of the beloved Canadian sketch series "SCTV," has died. He was 82.
His daughter Gudrun said Tuesday that Flaherty died Monday following a brief illness.
Flaherty, who was born in Pittsburgh, spent seven years at The Second City in Chicago before moving north of the border to help establish the theater's Toronto outpost.
He went on to star alongside John Candy and Catherine O'Hara in "SCTV,″ about a fictional TV station known as Second City Television that was stacked with buffoons in front of and behind the cameras. Flaherty's characters included network boss Guy Caballero and the vampiric TV host Count Floyd.
Support for LAist comes from
Former castmates also included Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Dave Thomas and Andrea Martin.
He won Emmys in 1982 and 1983 for his writing on "SCTV" and continued to work in TV and film for decades.
He was introduced to later generations through memorable turns as a jeering heckler in the 1996 film "Happy Gilmore" and as an old fashioned dad in the TV comedy "Freaks and Geeks," which ran from 1999 to 2000.
"Oh man. Worshipped Joe growing up," comedian Adam Sandler said on X. "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. 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 maintained deep ties to Toronto, serving as an artist-in-residence at Humber College.
"Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the '40s and '50s," his daughter wrote in Tuesday's statement. "Cinema wasn't merely a hobby for him; it profoundly influenced his career, particularly his unforgettable time with 'SCTV.' He cherished every moment spent on the show, so proud of its success and so proud to be part of an amazing cast."
Support for LAist comes from
Copyright 2024 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues. -
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce. -
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember.
Best of LAist