The Middle actor Pat Finn is given a loving tribute from former costar Patricia Heaton after he dies at 60

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Hollywood actor Pat Finn died on Monday in Los Angeles at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer.

Shortly after the news was announced, Patricia Heaton, who starred with him on “The Middle,” posted a heartfelt message on Instagram.

The Hollywood veteran announced that a wonderful and hilarious person they knew had passed away, finding peace with God.

The 67-year-old shared the sad news that Pat Finn, known to many as Bill Norwood from the show The Middle, had been fighting cancer for the past few years. He passed away at the young age of 60, leaving behind his wife, Donna, and their three children.

Heaton concluded by saying that everyone who knew him loved him, and he’ll be remembered for his kindness, strong friendships, and hilarious comedy.

Finn appeared on the TV show The Middle between 2010 and 2018, playing the character Bill Norwood in multiple episodes.

He made appearances on several popular TV shows, including The George Wendt Show, Murphy Brown, Friends, Seinfeld, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Ed.

He appeared in the 1999 film The Bachelor alongside Chris O’Donnell and Renee Zellweger, and then in 2000, he worked with Ashton Kutcher on Dude, Where’s My Car?

Finn was raised in Wilmette, Illinois, and earned his degree from Marquette University in 1987. It was there he met and became close friends with comedian Chris Farley. The two bonded as teammates on the university’s rugby team and lived together as roommates.

He joined The Second City’s touring group with his friend Farley, and they performed together in Chicago.

This experience allowed Finn to hone his improvisational abilities, which quickly led to prominent roles on The George Wendt Show and Murphy Brown.

But Finn is perhaps best known for his role in the ABC sitcom The Middle.

The show featured Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn as Frankie and Mike Heck, a relatable couple navigating the funny and hectic reality of raising their three children. They portrayed a typical middle-class family.

I’ll never forget Finn as Bill Norwood! He played him on the show from 2011 to 2018, and Bill was just the most genuine, down-to-earth character. He was always so friendly, and a huge Colts fan – you’d often see him watching the games with Mike. He felt like the kind of guy you’d want as a neighbor, honestly.

Finn also had a movie career.

I’ve been a fan for years, and I remember seeing him pop up in some fun movies like Dude, Where’s My Car?, How High, and even I Love You, Beth Cooper. He also had a part in Dealin’ With Idiots, which was hilarious! Most recently, I enjoyed seeing him in the 2021 rom-com Funny Thing About Love – it was a great way to see him on screen again.

While the specific type of cancer hasn’t been made public, TMZ reports that Finn was diagnosed with bladder cancer several years ago before his recent passing.

Finn is survived by his wife Donna and their two kids, Cassidy and Caitlin. 

Many friends and coworkers have been sharing touching messages online, including comedian Jeff Dye. He posted on X, saying he usually avoids sharing photos of celebrities after they’ve passed away.

Pat Finn wasn’t just a famous face to me; he was a truly wonderful friend, one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. I loved him dearly, and I know I’ll see him again someday. We’ll share a laugh, maybe sing a song, and shake our heads at all the negativity that seems to exist in the world. It’s a real loss, and I’ll cherish our memories.

The Late Show writer Brian Stack called Finn ‘As kind as he was brilliantly hilarious.’

Actor and comedian Jeff Garlin fondly remembered his friend Pat Finn on Facebook, describing him as incredibly funny and full of joy. Comedian Mo Collins shared a similar sentiment on Instagram, praising Pat’s kind and generous spirit, saying it will be deeply missed.

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2025-12-25 20:04