Veteran actor Howard Hesseman has passed away. Per Variety, the prolific character actor, who's best known for his role on the classic series WKRP in Cincinnati, died on Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles due to complications from colon surgery he'd undergone last summer. The actor was 81 years old.
"Howard was a groundbreaking talent and lifelong friend whose kindness and generosity was equaled by his influence and admiration to generations of actors and improvisational comedy throughout the world,” Hesseman's longtime rep Robbie Kass said in a statement.
Destined for stardom, Hesseman was born in Lebanon, Oregon on Feb. 27, 1940. He ventured into improv comedy in 1965 as a member of the comedy troupe The Committee in San Francisco, mastering the craft as a performer for ten years. He also furthered his work in entertainment by working as a radio DJ under the name Don Study. This led to guest roles on popular TV shows like The Andy Griffith Show, Dragnet 1967, Soap, and Sandford and Son.
Over the years, Hesseman continued to work in television, appearing in many other very popular programs thoughout the decades. This includes stints on The Rockford Files, Laverne and Shirley, The Bob Newhart Show, That '70s Show, Boston Legal, and hosting Saturday Night Live. He'd also guest star on Fresh Off the Boat, Chicago Med, Mike & Molly, and Psych.
Hesseman's film work also includes roles in movies such as Salvation Boulevard, Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, About Schmidt, This Is Spinal Tap, Wild Oats, The Rocker, All About Steve, and Rob Zombie's Halloween II.
WKRP in Cincinnati Features Howard Hesseman's Best Known Role
Howard Hesseman's most famous role was that of radio DJ Dr. Johnny Fever on the CBS comedy series WKRP in Cincinnati. For his performance, the actor was nominated for an Emmy on two occasions. The series, which aired for four seasons between 1978-82, also starred Gary Sandy, Gordon Jump, Loni Anderson, Richard Sanders, Frank Bonner, Jan Smithers, and Tim Reid. It follows the staff of a struggling radio station in the Ohio city.
Another well-known sitcom to feature Hesseman was the ABC series Head of the Class, featuring Hesseman in a starring role as Charlie Moore. He is also known for playing Sam Royer on One Day at a Time, joining the CBS series as a main cast member for its ninth and final season. What all of his roles had in common was that Hesseman nailed them in his unique comedic way, providing a lot with his presence to all of his projects.
Away from the cameras, Hesseman enjoyed swimming and gardening in his spare time, with Kass' statement on the actor's death noting "although not simultaneously." He is survived by his wife, with whom he'd lived together with for seven years before they were married in 1989, along with their godchildren Grace, Hamish, and Chet. Our thoughts are with them at this painful time. Rest in peace, Howard Hesseman.