Howard Hesseman, who played radio disc jockey Dr. Johnny Fever on “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died Saturday at age 81.
The actor passed away Saturday afternoon following problems from a colon surgery in Los Angeles, his manager Robbie Kass, who confirmed his death, told CNN in an e mail.
“He was a groundbreaking talent and lifelong close friend and longtime shopper whose kindness and generosity was equaled by his impact and admiration to generations of actors and improvisational comedy all over the entire world,” Kass claimed.
Hesseman was most effective acknowledged for his starring position on the CBS sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati” from 1978 to 1982. The display experienced modest rankings and only lasted four seasons but grew to become beloved in its syndication. Hesseman gained two Emmy nominations for his DJ role — which he advised the New York Instances in 1979 produced network executives nervous.
“I feel maybe Johnny smokes a minimal marijuana, drinks beer and wine, and it’s possible a little hard liquor,” Hesseman said at the time. “And on one particular of those people really hard mornings at the station, he may consider what for lots of a long time was referred to as a diet regime tablet. But he is a average consumer of gentle prescription drugs, especially marijuana.”
Hesseman also had a starring role as a heritage instructor on ABC sitcom “Head of Class” which ran from 1986 to 1991 and hosted “Saturday Evening Live” many moments.
Born in Oregon, Hesseman grew to become included in a San Francisco-based mostly improv team prior to generating it as an actor. He also did a stint as a actual radio DJ in the ’60s for San Francisco rock-and-roll station KMPX.
He is survived by his wife, actress Caroline Ducrocq.
With Publish Wires