Pat Finn, a veteran television character actor known for his recurring role as Bill Norwood on “The Middle,” died December 22 in Los Angeles. He was 60.
Finn’s manager, Andrea Pett-Joseph, confirmed his death followed a three-year cancer battle. “After a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, family, and friends, we share the heartbreaking news of the death of Pat Finn,” Finn’s family said in a statement.
Finn was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022. The cancer went into remission before returning and metastasizing. A GoFundMe account launched to help defray medical costs for his family raised $100,000.
Pett-Joseph described the actor as “the kindest, most joyful person in any room.”
The actor’s death was announced December 24, 2025.
On “The Middle,” Finn appeared in 23 episodes from 2011 to 2018, playing the Heck family’s friendly neighbor. His portrayal of Bill Norwood made him a familiar face to millions of viewers who followed the sitcom about a middle-class Indiana family navigating everyday challenges.
Finn’s television career spanned three decades and included memorable turns across numerous popular sitcoms. He appeared on “Seinfeld” as Joe Mayo in the episode “The Reverse Peephole.” His role on “Friends” featured him as Dr. Roger. On “Murphy Brown,” he played Phil Jr., the son of the original bar owner who took over the establishment.
The actor’s extensive list of television credits included appearances on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “That ’70s Show,” “The King of Queens,” “2 Broke Girls” and “The Goldbergs.” His versatility as a comedic performer made him a sought-after character actor for sitcoms throughout the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s.
Finn’s film work included roles in “Dude Where’s My Car?,” “It’s Complicated” and “I Love You Beth Cooper.” His ability to bring warmth and humor to supporting roles made him a reliable presence in both television and film productions.
Born in Evanston, Illinois, Finn graduated from Marquette University in 1987. While at Marquette, he met Chris Farley, who would become a close friend and fellow comedian. Both Finn and Farley went on to join the legendary Second City improv troupe in Chicago after graduation.
The Second City training ground proved instrumental in shaping Finn’s comedic talents. His improvisational skills became a hallmark of his performances, allowing him to bring spontaneity and authenticity to his television roles.
Finn maintained strong connections to his alma mater throughout his career. He taught improv courses at universities, sharing his expertise with aspiring performers.
Finn is surrounded by his wife, Donna, and their three children: daughters Cassidy and Caitlin, and son Ryan.
Throughout his career, Finn balanced a busy acting schedule with family life and teaching commitments.
The actor’s ability to find steady work across multiple decades in the competitive entertainment industry testified to his reliability and talent. Character actors like Finn form the backbone of television comedy, bringing consistency and craftsmanship to supporting roles that help anchor ensemble casts. His 23-episode run on “The Middle” represented the kind of recurring role that allowed him to develop a character over multiple seasons.
Finn’s improv background served him well in the sitcom world, where the ability to react authentically to scene partners and find humor in everyday situations proved essential. The skills he honed at Second City and later taught to university students became the foundation for a career marked by versatility and professionalism. His work across multiple generations of television comedy, from 1990s sitcoms through shows airing in the 2010s, demonstrated an ability to adapt to changing styles while maintaining the core strengths that made him a dependable presence in any production.
