Canadian sketch comedy pioneer Joe Flaherty, a key figure in the iconic series “SCTV,” has passed away at the age of 82, as announced by his daughter Gudrun. He succumbed to a brief illness on Monday.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Flaherty honed his comedic skills during a seven-year tenure at The Second City in Chicago before relocating to Canada to help establish the theater’s Toronto branch. He gained prominence as part of the ensemble cast of “SCTV,” alongside luminaries like John Candy and Catherine O’Hara, portraying various memorable characters such as the network executive Guy Caballero and the eccentric TV host Count Floyd.
Flaherty’s contributions to “SCTV” earned him Emmys for writing in 1982 and 1983, marking the beginning of a successful career in television and film that spanned several decades. His versatility as an actor was showcased in roles ranging from a heckler in the 1996 comedy “Happy Gilmore” to a traditional father figure in the acclaimed NBC series “Freaks and Geeks.”
Reflecting on his time with “SCTV,” Flaherty emphasized the creative freedom enjoyed by the cast, highlighting their autonomy in crafting their own comedic universe without external interference. Raised in Homewood and trained in acting at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, Flaherty maintained strong connections to Toronto, where he served as an artist-in-residence at Humber College.
In a heartfelt tribute, his daughter described Flaherty as an exceptional individual with a profound love for classic cinema, which significantly influenced his career, particularly his memorable tenure on “SCTV.” She expressed his immense pride in being part of the show’s success and his deep appreciation for the talented ensemble with whom he shared the stage.
