Pat Finn, a veteran television actor known for his recurring role as Bill Norwood on ABC’s “The Middle” and his work across dozens of sitcoms, died Monday, December 22, 2025, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 60 years old.
Finn died from cancer after battling the disease for several years. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022 and went into remission before the cancer returned and metastasized.
“After a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, family, and friends, we share the heartbreaking news of the death of Pat Finn,” the actor’s family said in a statement.
In the month before Finn’s death, a fundraiser was launched to support his family during his ongoing treatment. The effort raised over $100,000 from his community of friends, family and supporters.
Andrea Pett-Joseph, Finn’s manager, confirmed his passing to multiple outlets. The family’s statement noted Finn’s love of Chicago sports, particularly the Bears football team.
Finn became a familiar face across American television sitcoms during a career spanning three decades. On “The Middle,” he played Bill Norwood. The role showcased his talent for portraying affable, slightly quirky characters who added depth to ensemble casts.
He also appeared as Phil Jr. on CBS’s “Murphy Brown.” His television credits included memorable guest appearances on some of the most popular sitcoms in television history. Finn appeared on “Seinfeld,” “Friends,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The Goldbergs” and “2 Broke Girls,” among many others.
On the big screen, Finn appeared in several films including “Dude Where’s My Car” and the Nancy Meyers romantic comedy “It’s Complicated.”
Born in Evanston, Illinois, Finn grew up in the nearby suburb of Wilmette. He graduated from Loyola Academy in 1983 before attending Marquette University, where he graduated in 1987. At Marquette, Finn met two people who would profoundly shape his life: his future wife, Donna, and his college friend Chris Farley, who would go on to stardom on “Saturday Night Live.”
Finn recalled his early influences in an interview, discussing how his comedy career began to take shape during his childhood and college years. “My mom and I watched The Carol Burnett Show and The Odd Couple,” he said. “I really liked the idea of sitcoms. Growing up in Chicago, nobody said they wanted to be an actor. They wanted to be firefighters or in sales. I met my wife, Donna, my freshman year. I also met one of my best friends, Chris Farley. The two of us were inseparable. We listened to comedy albums.”
After graduating from Marquette, Finn pursued his passion for improvisational comedy in Chicago. He became a troupe member at Second City, the renowned comedy institution that has launched countless comedy careers. His work with Second City marked the beginning of his professional comedy career and helped establish him as a skilled improviser.
Finn also performed with the improv troupe Beer Shark Mice, where he worked alongside fellow performers who would also find success in television. Neil Flynn, who later starred on “The Middle” alongside Finn, was a member of Beer Shark Mice. David Koechner, who appeared in “Anchorman” and numerous other comedies, was also part of the troupe.
Beyond his performing career, Finn dedicated significant time to teaching and sharing his expertise in improvisation. He served as a faculty member at the University of Colorado Boulder. His passion for education extended to other institutions as well, reflecting his commitment to passing on the techniques and philosophy of improvisational comedy to new generations.
Finn’s family emphasized his love of teaching and the improvisational approach to life. His daughters Cassidy and Caitlin attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where their father taught. His son Ryan attended Marquette University, Finn’s alma mater, continuing the family’s connection to the institution.
Throughout his career, Finn balanced his on-screen work with his commitment to improvisation as both an art form and a practical skill. His teaching extended beyond traditional comedy training, applying improvisational techniques to business communication and organizational development.
Finn is survived by his wife Donna, their three children Cassidy, Caitlin and Ryan, and his parents Leo and Betty. The family’s statement celebrating his life reflected the warmth and humor that characterized Finn’s career and personal relationships, emphasizing the laughter and love that filled his 60 years.