Joe Flaherty, best known as a founding member of the groundbreaking Canadian series “SCTV,” passed away on Monday at the age of 82 following a brief illness, as confirmed by his daughter Gudrun.
In a heartfelt statement to the Canadian Press on Tuesday, Flaherty’s daughter paid tribute to her father, describing him as
“an extraordinary man known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ‘50s’. 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.”
Born in Pittsburgh, Joe Flaherty’s journey in comedy began with a seven-year stint at the renowned Second City Theater in Chicago. He later played a big role in establishing the theater’s Toronto outpost, laying the foundation for his legendary contributions to Canadian comedy.
It was on “SCTV,” short for Second City Television, that Flaherty truly left a mark. Alongside comedy greats like John Candy and Catherine O’Hara, he brought to life a hilarious ensemble of characters at the fictional television station.
His memorable personas, including the eccentric network boss Guy Caballero and the iconic vampire host Count Floyd, showcased his talent for creating unforgettable characters.
Joe Flaherty’s exceptional writing skills were recognized with Emmy wins in 1982 and 1983 for his work on “SCTV.” He continued to shine through in subsequent decades, with memorable appearances in films like “Happy Gilmore” and the cult classic TV series “Freaks and Geeks.”