Michael Gerard Hagerty, a renowned American actor, was born on May 10, 1954, and passed away on May 5, 2022. He was recognized for his remarkable ability to portray comedic blue-collar workers, showcasing his versatility in various roles. Notably, he played the recurring character of Mr. Treeger, the building superintendent, in the popular TV show Friends, as well as the manager of a muffler shop on HBO's Lucky Louie.
Hagerty's acting journey began after being invited by Jim Belushi to join the esteemed improv group The Second City. He co-wrote and co-starred in three revues on the troupe's mainstage during the 1980s, including Also Available in Paperback — A Retrospective, Orwell That Ends Well, and True Midwest, or No, But I Saw the Movie. Additionally, he introduced the lyrics of "Bear Down, Chicago Bears" to the troupe's cast and had them memorize and sing the song.
As his career progressed, Hagerty began acting in films and television shows, starting with Doctor Detroit in 1983. He became known for his distinctive mustache and thick Chicago accent, which added to his unique on-screen presence. Despite spending the majority of his career in television, Hagerty had small roles in numerous films and accumulated over 100 acting credits throughout his career.
Hagerty was recognized for his memorable small character roles in a wide range of popular comedies, including Martin, Cheers, The Wayans Bros., Curb Your Enthusiasm, Friends, Seinfeld, and The Wonder Years. He was one of only twenty actors to appear in both Friends and Seinfeld. Hagerty also had a recurring role on The George Carlin Show, which marked his first recurring television role.
One of Hagerty's final acting roles was in the TV series Somebody Somewhere, which he was still filming at the time of his passing. Throughout his illustrious career, Hagerty left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and his legacy will continue to be cherished by fans and fellow actors alike.
