‘Happy Gilmore’ Star Joe Flaherty Passes Away At 82

Joe Flaherty, who will always be remembered for his role as an agitating crowd member in the Adam Sandler hit “Happy Gilmore,” died on Tuesday at the age of 82.

News of the actor and comedian’s passing was made by his daughter Gudrun Flaherty, who told the Canadian Press in a statement that he succumbed after battling a brief illness. He was, she said, “a kind, sweet soul who blessed all who knew him and those who loved his work.”

“Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s,” she added.

“Cinema wasn’t merely a hobby for him; it profoundly influenced his career, particularly his unforgettable time with SCTV. He cherished every moment spent on the show, so proud of its success and so proud to be part of an amazing cast.”

Tributes to the Pittsburgh native poured in from fans, including Sandler himself, as they reminisced about Flaherty’s unforgettable character acting in the film about a former hockey player who drops into the world of professional golf like a wrecking ball.

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“Jackass!” Flaherty would yell just as the ill-tempered Happy Gilmore was about to tee off, sending his shot far off course. The provocations got such a rise out of Sandler’s character that he went on to brawl with his course partner and legendary “Wheel of Fame” host Bob Barker.

“Worshipped Joe growing up,” Sandler wrote on X. “The nicest guy you could know. Genius of a comedian. And a true sweetheart. Perfect combo. Much love to his kids and thanks to Joe for all the greatness he gave us all.”

Oh man. Worshipped Joe growing up. Always had me and my brother laughing. Count Floyd, Guy Caballero. Any move he made. He crushed as border guard in Stripes. Couldn’t be more fun to have him heckle me on the golf course. The nicest guy you could know. Genius of a comedian. And a… pic.twitter.com/DaAV9RqkEr

— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) April 2, 2024

Canadians recalled Flaherty’s time on SCTV, a sketch comedy show comparable to Saturday Night Live that has helped launch the careers of other comedy greats including John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Martin Short. Flaherty, a founding member of the show, played roles like Count Floyd, news anchor Floyd Robertson and the iconic character of SCTV station manager, Guy Caballero, according to Global News.

In 1999 Flaherty took on another memorable role in the hit NBC series “Freaks and Geeks” as Harold Weir, dispensing tongue-in-cheek fatherly wisdom to his son and daughter over the dinner table. His cautionary stories often ended with “You know what they’re doing now? They’re dead!”

Other credits to the comedian include “Clone High,” “Family Guy,” “Big Bang Theory,” and “The King of Queens.”