Beloved SCTV Comedian Joe Flaherty Passes Away at 82
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of comedian Joe Flaherty, a founding member of the iconic Canadian sketch series “SCTV,” who passed away at the age of 82 after a brief illness. Flaherty’s daughter Gudrun confirmed his death on Monday.
Born in Pittsburgh, Flaherty honed his comedy skills during his seven years at The Second City in Chicago before making the move to Toronto to help establish the theater’s outpost. He quickly became a fan favorite for his memorable characters on “SCTV,” including Guy Caballero and Count Floyd, alongside fellow comedy legends like John Candy and Catherine O’Hara. His former castmates also included Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Dave Thomas, and Andrea Martin.
Flaherty’s talent and hard work were recognized with two Emmy Awards for his writing on “SCTV” in 1982 and 1983. He continued to work in TV and film for decades, with notable roles in projects like “Happy Gilmore” and “Freaks and Geeks.”
Comedian Adam Sandler paid tribute to Flaherty, calling him a comedic genius and a true sweetheart who always had him and his brother laughing. Flaherty remained connected to Toronto throughout his career, serving as an artist-in-residence at Humber College.
His daughter remembered him as an extraordinary man with a deep love for classic films from the ’40s and ’50s. She also shared how proud he was of his time on “SCTV” and the show’s lasting success. Flaherty’s legacy as a pioneering comedian and beloved entertainer will continue to live on in the hearts of fans around the world.
