‘Happy Gilmore’ Actor Dead At 82

Joe Flaherty, who played the extremely hilarious heckler in the classic Adam Sandler film ‘Happy Gilmore,’ has reportedly died at the age of 82. Flaherty reportedly died after battling a brief undisclosed illness.

Flaherty, a native of America, had also starred on the Canadian television program ‘SCTV’ after a stint with the vaunted Second City improvisation comedy club in Chicago. Second City is credited with being a sort of ‘farm team’ for the hit television show Saturday Night Live.

Second City oversaw the rise of such stars as John Belushi and Chris Farley. TV Insider reports on his death,

Veteran actor Joe Flaherty, best known for starring in the popular Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV and as Harold Weir on Paul Feig’s Freaks and Geeks, has died. He was 82.

The passing was first announced late Monday, April 1, on X (formerly Twitter) by Mad Men actor Joel Murray, who wrote, “We’ve lost another of my idols. RIP Joe Flaherty 1941-2024.” Murray starred alongside Flaherty in the 1986 movie One Crazy Summer.

Actress Jennifer Tilly also shared her tribute, writing, “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.”

Born on June 21, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Flaherty served in the United States Air Force for four years before getting involved in dramatic theater. After his stint in the Air Force, he moved to Chicago, kicking off his comedy career with the Second City Theater.

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Actor Christopher McDonald posted the following remembrance of Flaherty on his ‘Shooter McGavin’ Twitter page,

No one could have played the role of Donald like Joe Flaherty did. His comedic delivery was perfect and his role alone made Happy Gilmore the classic it is today. He will be missed. Rest easy Joe.

Christopher McDonald

Rest in peace, legend!