Pat Finn, US actor in TV shows Friends and The Middle, dies at 60

American actor Pat Finn, who starred in popular TV series such as Friends, Seinfeld and The Middle, died at the age of 60.

According to reports in the US media, the comedy and improvisation artist died at his home in Los Angeles on Monday after being treated for cancer since 2022.

“Pat never met a stranger; he just had friends he didn’t yet know,” his family said in a statement posted on social media.

The statement also stated that he “lived his life to the fullest with joy and enthusiasm.”

Finn’s first television role was in 1995 on The George Wendt Show, where he appeared as the title character’s brother. He also had a recurring role on Murphy Brown from 1995 to 1997.

In 1998, he took on the role of Joe Mayo on Seinfeld, playing a party host known for delegating the heavy lifting to his guests.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he made guest appearances on popular shows including King of Queens, Friends, That ’70s Show and House.

Finn was perhaps best known for his role as Bill Norwood on The Middle, starring for eight seasons between 2011 and 2018.

His film credits include It’s Complicated (2009) and Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups (2012).

Beyond his on-screen roles, Finn was an improv artist and also taught at the University of Colorado, where he was an adjunct professor. He was part of a six-piece improv group called the Beer Shark Rats.

“Pat coached, befriended and mentored countless students over the years, and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who would say a bad word about him,” his family wrote.

Fellow actor Richard Kind paid tribute to Finn, saying there was “no kinder, gentler, funnier, more down-to-earth person you’ll ever meet”.

“Always positive, funnier and helps you be better. Great dad, great man,” Kind wrote on Instagram.

Finn is survived by his wife Donna, their three children, their parents and siblings.