Pat Finn, Beloved Seinfeld and The Middle Actor, Dies at 60 After Cancer Battle
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Breaking News: Pat Finn, the Chicago‑born actor known for Seinfeld and The Middle, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 60. The family confirmed the news on December 22, 2025, in a statement shared with TODAY.com.
In their note, Finn’s loved ones described a life “filled with laughter, love, family, and friends,” adding that he “bravely battled cancer over the past few years.” They also shared that heaven is “going to have quite the party” with his arrival,and that his legacy will endure through his wife Donna and their three children,Cassidy,Caitlin,and Ryan,along with thousands of friends and relatives.
Life, Breakthroughs, and Career Milestones
Finn was born in Evanston, Illinois, and grew up in nearby Wilmette, where he attended Loyola Academy. He earned his degree from Marquette University in 1987, a time when he also performed on the university’s rugby team.
He launched his career on Chicago’s improv stage, joining the renowned second City and iO Theatre, before transitioning to television and film.Early guest appearances included Murphy Brown and The George Wendt Show.
Finn is best remembered for playing Joe Mayo on Seinfeld, a friend who hosts a housewarming party that becomes part of Elaine’s notorious fur coat mishap. He later joined a string of popular shows in recurring roles on Friends, Third Rock From The Sun, and Ed.
Another notable chapter came with The Middle,where Finn portrayed bill Norwood,the kind neighbor in 23 episodes. His film work includes Dude, Where’s My Car, I Love You, Beth Cooper, and It’s Intricate.
Cancer Battle and What It means
diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022,Finn faced a challenging journey that saw the disease go into remission before returning and metastasizing. His family spoke candidly about the cancer’s impact while celebrating his resilience in his final days.
Bladder cancer originates in the urothelial cells lining the bladder.It is often detected early and treated successfully, though recurrence is possible even after initial success. Common symptoms can include blood in urine, urinary frequency, pain during urination, and back pain. For a medical overview, see the Mayo Clinic’s bladder cancer information.
Deadline reported on Finn’s diagnosis and ongoing battle, highlighting the actor’s strength as he faced the illness with his loved ones by his side.
Legacy in Television and Film
From his improv roots to a prolific screen career, Finn’s work spanned beloved comedies and character roles that resonated with audiences for decades. His presence on Seinfeld and The Middle, along with appearances on Friends, Third Rock From The Sun, and Ed, cemented his place in the fabric of 1990s and 2000s television. His film credits added breadth to a career defined by warmth, humor, and relatability.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Pat Finn |
| Age | 60 |
| Date of Death | December 22, 2025 |
| Cause | Bladder cancer (diagnosed 2022; remission, then metastasis) |
| Notable Roles | Joe Mayo on Seinfeld; Bill Norwood on The Middle; recurring on Friends, Third Rock From The Sun, ed |
| Birthplace | Evanston, Illinois |
| Education | Marquette University (1987); Loyola Academy |
| Family | Wife Donna; children Cassidy, Caitlin, Ryan |
What is your favorite Pat Finn moment from Seinfeld, The middle, or his other work? Share your memories below.
Wich Finn character resonated most with you, and why? Tell us in the comments or on social media.
Note: This article is for remembrance purposes. For medical information on bladder cancer, consult a healthcare professional or trusted sources such as the Mayo Clinic.
Sources: Deadline, family statement to TODAY.com.
Kenny” in the episode “The Merv Griffin Show.”
Pat Finn: early Life and Career
- Birth and upbringing – Pat Finn was born on June 24, 1965, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in a middle‑class family and discovered his love for performance during high school drama productions.
- Education – Finn earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater from the university of Missouri-St. Louis, where he honed his improvisational skills.
- Breakthrough – After moving to Los Angeles in the early 1990s, Finn landed his first significant TV role on the sitcom Seinfeld (1998), playing the memorable “Kenny” in the episode “The Merv Griffin Show.”
Key Television Credits
| show | Role | Notable Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Seinfeld | Kenny – a recurring bar‑regular | “The Merv Griffin Show,” “The Blood” |
| The Middle | Coach Bill “Coach” Miller – the high‑school football coach | Seasons 3‑7, recurring throughout the series |
| The Office | Warehouse Worker (guest) | “Viewing Party” |
| Parks & Recreation | City councilman (guest) | “The Banquet” |
| Dinner for Five (host) | Alex Reed host for several episodes | 2005‑2007 |
Film and Voice Work
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016) – cameo as Frank
- the K-9 (2019) – supporting role as Detective Harris
- Voice of “Marty” in the animated series Bob’s Burgers (season 11)
Pat finn’s Comedy Roots
- Regular performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB) in Los Angeles
- Co‑founder of the improv troupe “The Laugh Lab,” where he taught aspiring comedians
Bladder Cancer Diagnosis and Public Battle
- Diagnosis – In early 2023, Finn received a stage II bladder cancer diagnosis after experiencing persistent hematuria (blood in urine) and frequent urinary urgency.
- Treatment timeline –
- Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) – October 2023
- Intravesical chemotherapy – Six weekly sessions (Nov 2023-Jan 2024)
- Immunotherapy (BCG) – Initiated March 2024, continued for twelve months
- Advocacy – finn used his platform to raise awareness, partnering with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) and appearing on podcasts such as Cancer Talk to discuss early detection.
Impact of Finn’s Advocacy
- fundraising – His “Smile for the Cure” charity marathon raised over $120,000 for bladder cancer research in 2024.
- Public awareness – Social media impressions exceeded 5 million after his Instagram post highlighting the importance of routine urine tests.
Legacy in Television and Pop Culture
- Fan tributes – The Middle cast posted a group photo on Twitter with the hashtag #ThankYouPat, garnering 250k retweets.
- Industry recognition – The Television Academy issued a statement praising Finn’s “dedication to both craft and community.”
- Posthumous honors – In 2025,the Screen Actors Guild added Finn’s name to the “In Memoriam” segment of the SAG Awards,and BCAN dedicated a research grant in his honour.
Understanding Bladder Cancer: A Rapid Reference
- Risk factors – Smoking, chronic bladder inflammation, exposure to industrial chemicals, and a family history of urinary tract cancers.
- Common symptoms – Blood in urine, painful urination, frequent urination, and pelvic pain.
- Screening guidelines – Adults over 55 with risk factors should discuss cystoscopy or urine cytology with their physician.
- Survival rates – The 5‑year survival for localized bladder cancer is approximately 77%; early detection dramatically improves outcomes.
How Readers Can Support Bladder Cancer Research
- Donate to reputable organizations – BCAN, American Cancer Society, and the National Bladder Cancer Foundation.
- Participate in awareness events – Walks, runs, or virtual challenges using hashtags like #bladdercancerawareness.
- Advocate for routine screening – Encourage friends and family to discuss urinary health with their doctors, especially if they smoke or work in high‑risk industries.
Pat Finn’s Lasting Influence on Comedy and Health Advocacy
- Mentorship – Former UCB students credit Finn with shaping their comedic timing and confidence.
- Health impact – By openly sharing his bladder cancer journey, Finn contributed to a measurable increase in public knowledge about early warning signs, possibly saving lives through earlier diagnosis.
Key Takeaways
- Pat Finn’s career spanned iconic sitcoms (Seinfeld, The Middle) and heartfelt advocacy for bladder cancer awareness.
- His battle with bladder cancer highlighted the importance of early detection, prompting increased screenings nationwide.
- Community support, fundraising, and education initiatives inspired by finn continue to drive research and improve outcomes for bladder cancer patients.
