Second City Family Is Organizing A Fundraiser For “SCTV” Star Joe Flaherty’s Illness

When you think about Second City, Joe Flaherty comes to mind. The beloved comedian was a staple of the show, thanks to his characters such as Count Floyd and Guy Caballero. Younger generations may recognize him from his work on Freaks and Geeks and Happy Gilmore.

Sadly, this week we learned that Flaherty’s health has taken an unfortunate turn. A message from Martin Short started circulating on social media this week. Check out Short’s message and how to donate below.

“Our beloved SCTV cast member, Joe Flaherty, is very ill. Joe is aware of the gravity of his failing health and would like to spend whatever time he has left at home rather than in a facility.

Joe's daughter, Gudrun, is currently Joe's sole caregiver.

Unfortunately, neither Gudrun nor Joe has the financial means to hire the 24-hour care he will require at home. We understand the cost of such care will be about 20k a month.

Our hope is to raise the funds needed to honor Joe's wishes.

We are writing to our friends because we believe SCTV meant something to you, and that would not be the case if it were not for Joe Flaherty. He was a mentor, a director, and an inspiring improviser who gave us many of the tools we are still using in the careers he helped kickstart. And he made us all laugh! We believe that you would want to know about Joe's condition and, perhaps, even want to contribute towards his home care.

If you'd like to offer any amount, please see BELOW for information. If not, please send Joe your well wishes, your prayers, or a note of encouragement. Either way, we are sure Joe would be beyond grateful to know his "fans" are still rooting for him.

DONATIONS can be sent to the "Comedic Artists Alliance" a 501c* with a PayPal account. (It is not-for-profit, so you will receive a charitable tax receipt if desired). The Pay Pal Account is aalexander@comedicartistsalliance.com.”