SCTV and Happy Gilmore actor Joe Flaherty dead aged 82

American actor Joe Flaherty has died following a "brief illness". He was 82.

The Happy Gilmore star's daughter Gudrun Flaherty confirmed to Variety he died on Monday after facing "health challenges" over the last few months.

"After a brief illness, he left us yesterday, and since then, I've been struggling to come to terms with this immense loss," her statement through the Comedic Artists Alliance read.

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"Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the '40s and '50s," she continued.

"His insights into the golden age of cinema didn't just shape his professional life; they were also a source of endless fascination for me.

"In these last few months, as he faced his health challenges, we had the precious opportunity to watch many of those classic movies together – moments I will forever hold dear."

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Flaherty's death comes after his former improv group Second City launched a fundraiser last month to help raise funds to support his "failing health".

The 82-year-old comedian was best known for being a founding member and star on the Canadian sketch show Second City Television (SCTV).

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Flaherty also gained notoriety for his roles as Harold Weird on the 1999 series Freaks and Geeks and as Donald in the 1996 comedy film Happy Gilmore.

Flaherty's friends and co-stars have begun to share heartfelt tributes to social media.

Amid recent news of a Happy Gilmore sequel potentially in the works, Adam Sandler remembered his co-star for his comedic "genius" and as a "true sweetheart".

"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," Sandler wrote to Instagram.

"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 true sweetheart. Perfect combo," he added.

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"Much love to his kids and thanks to Joe for all the greatness he gave us all."

Freaks and Geeks creator Paul Feig wrote to X (formerly Twitter): "So sad to hear about dear Joe. He was my TV dad and a true comedy hero."

"Always happy to tell any story about your favorite SCTV sketch, he was just the greatest guy. I will truly miss him and always be grateful to have known him. Rest in comedy, Joe."

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