Pat Finnâs family released a heartfelt statement following the death of the actor and comedian, remembering him as someone who ânever met a stranger, only friends he didnât know yet.â
âHe knew all the state Capitals and every College Football Mascot,â the statement read, adding that the family believes Finn is now reunited with close friends Chris Farley, George Wendt, and Mike Hagerty, âsaving him a seat on the couch to watch their beloved Bears.â
The family also asked for privacy and shared a message Finn lived by.
âThey also ask you to be kind, to try and make one personâs life a little easier every day, and to Bear Down. Itâs what Pat would want, too.â
From Wilmette to Second City And A Lifetime In Comedy
As per the official statement, Patrick Cassidy Finn died at home on December 22, surrounded by his wife Donna, their three children, Cassidy, Caitlin, and Ryan, and the family dogs.
Born July 31, 1965, Finn grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, and attended Marquette University, where he met his wife and formed a close friendship with Farley.
That bond led him to Chicagoâs Second City, where he studied, performed, and toured before eventually moving to Los Angeles.
The statement also added that Finn later became a founding member of the iO West improv troupe âBeer Shark Mice,â performing alongside longtime collaborators Peter Hulne, Mike Coleman, Neil Flynn, David Koechner, and Joel Murray.
The statement notes that mentoring students and building community were among his greatest joys.
Finnâs television career included recurring roles on âMurphy Brown,â â3rd Rock from the Sun,â âEdâ and âMy Boys.â He portrayed Bill Norwood on ABCâs âThe Middleâ from 2010 to 2018 and appeared as Dr. Roger on âFriendsâ and Joe Mayo on âSeinfeld.â
His first major TV role came on âThe George Wendt Show,â where he played Wendtâs brother and formed a lifelong friendship with the actor. That bond extended beyond the screen, with Wendt later becoming godfather to Finnâs son.
Outside acting, Finn became widely known as âToyota Pat,â serving as an on-air spokesperson for Toyota of Arizona. Manager Andrea Pett-Joseph represented him for more than 30 years, a relationship the family described as one rooted in trust and friendship.
Teaching, Family, and A Legacy Of Generosity
In addition to performing, Finn taught improv as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado and Marquette University. The family said he loved sharing the joy of improv and the gospel of âyes, andâ with students eager to learn.
Finn was diagnosed with cancer in 2022. After entering remission, he continued living fully until the disease returned and metastasized.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; their children; his parents, Leo and Betty; his siblings and extended family; and his improv community, âwhom he loved like brothers and sisters.â
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