I just learned that Joe Flaherty passed away yesterday. It is fitting, I think that he passed on April Fools Day, as he was one of the funniest people who ever lived. Some may remember his small character parts in movies such as Happy Gilmore, or on the TV series’ Freaks and Geeks, or Maniac Mansion. Some old timers like me will recall his amazing work on Second City TV, IMO the finest sketch comedy show from any era. Some of us go back even further and remember him from The National Lampoon Radio Hour, with John Belushi, Harold Ramis, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, Christopher Guest, and the Murray brothers, Bill and Brian (Doyle), among others. Before that, he honed his comedy chops at The Second City improv theater in Chicago.
He was at his best on SCTV, creating such characters as Guy Cabellero, Count Floyd, Big Jim McBob (He blowed up real good!), Sammy Maudlin, and Slim Whitman, among many others. His impressions of Alan Alda, Jack Klugman, Bing Crosby, Kirk Douglas, and Carl Sagan were off the chart.
Rest in Peace, Joe, and thanks for all the laughs!