Pat Finn (Patrick Cassidy Finn) (1965 - 2025)
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Evanston native Pat Finn, who honed his formidable comedy skills in Chicago before launching a career in movies and television, died in December at the age of 60.
Pat grew up in Wilmette, and studied at Loyola Academy High School, graduating in 1983. His gift for improv came to the fore at Milwaukee’s Marquette University, where he formed a fast-friendship with future SNL cast member Chris Farley. Their friendship was originally centered on a mutual love for rugby, but it took a turn when they took the stage together for a raucous set at a variety show at the university. Farley played “nerd guy”; Pat played “cool guy”; and the performance proved formative, with both returning to Chicago, committed to forging careers in comedy. After graduating from Marquette in 1987, Pat headed south to Chicago and — along with Farley — started classes at the iO (then the ImprovOlympic) and Second City, eventually landing a gig as a cast member at Second City. Pat was working with a Second City touring company when Second City alum, southside native and “Cheers” star George Wendt saw him in a Rolling Meadows performance of “It Ain’t Over ‘Til The Fat Lady’s Done Watching the O.J. Trial.” Wendt was impressed: In 1991, Pat landed a role in the “The George Wendt Show,” co-starring as Wendt’s younger brother. “The George Wendt Show” only ran for a month in 1995, but the friendship between the two flourished for years, with Wendt becoming the godfather to Pat’s son Ryan. “The George Wendt Show” led to roles on hit shows including “Friends,” “Seinfeld,” “Third Rock from the Sun,” “Murphy Brown,” “That ‘70s Show,” and “The Middle,” where he was featured as Bill Norwood. He also worked in movies (“Dude, Where’s My Car,” “I Love You Beth Cooper”) , and appeared in countless television commercials, including roughly 20 spots for Toyota. An L.A. resident for about 30 years, Pat was a founding member of iO West and its improv troupe BeerSharkMice. He also taught improv to a wide variety of students, from corporations to college campuses. “Pat had a charm about him. He was the type of guy who could call the cable company and complain, and the next thing you know he was getting a free NFL package, and he did it on stage as well," Wilmette native and comedian Joel Murray said. “There was just something about him.” Pat is survived by his wife, Donna; their children, Cassidy, Caitlin and Ryan; his parents, Leo and Betty; siblings Michelle (Henry), Tracy (Judy), Tom (Debbie), Kevin (Francie) and Katie (Matt). He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Danny (Rebecca); sisters-in-law Debbie (Mark) and Dianne (Mark); and his many cherished nieces, nephews along with his far-reaching improv family. With thanks to the Evanston RoundTable. |