Pat Finn, a veteran character actor and longtime member of Chicago’s famed Second City improv troupe, died Dec. 22 at his home in Los Angeles after a battle with bladder cancer. He was best known to television audiences for his role as Bill Norwood, the eccentric and well-meaning neighbor on ABC’s family sitcom The Middle.
Finn built a steady, decades-long career in television and film, becoming a familiar face through memorable guest appearances and supporting roles rather than headline stardom. His performances were marked by an offbeat warmth and comic timing that made him a reliable presence in ensemble casts across multiple generations of popular shows.
Born with a passion for comedy and performance, Finn honed his craft in Chicago, where he became a longtime member of The Second City, the influential improvisational theater that has launched the careers of countless comedians and actors. During his time with the troupe, he performed alongside Chris Farley, forming part of the same creative community that helped define a generation of American comedy.
After moving into television and film work, Finn became a frequent guest star on some of the most recognizable sitcoms of the past several decades. His television credits included appearances on Seinfeld, Friends, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Murphy Brown, among others. While often cast in supporting roles, Finn’s characters were typically distinctive—quirky authority figures, neighbors, or everyday men whose personalities added texture and humor to the stories around them.
Finn reached his widest audience with The Middle, which aired from 2009 to 2018. On the series, he played Bill Norwood, the awkward but kind-hearted neighbor of the Heck family. The role allowed Finn to showcase a blend of physical comedy and emotional sincerity, and his character became a fan favorite over the show’s nine-season run.
In film, Finn appeared in a range of comedies, including Dude, Where’s My Car? and It’s Complicated. Though his film roles were often brief, they reflected the same versatility that defined his television work, as he moved easily between broad comedy and more understated humor.
Colleagues and fans alike remembered Finn as a dependable performer who elevated scenes through small but carefully crafted choices. His career reflected the path of a working actor—one built on consistency, collaboration, and a deep understanding of comedic rhythm.
Finn is survived by his wife of 35 years and their three children. His death marks the loss of a familiar and beloved presence in American television comedy, one whose work quietly enriched many of the shows and films that defined modern popular culture.
