Howard Hesseman, Who Played Dr. Johnny Fever On ‘WKRP In Cincinnati, Dies At 81

Howard Hesseman, an actor with a storied Film & TV career who was best known for his role as disc jockey Dr. Johnny Fever on the CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has died at the age of 81.

His manager, Robbie Kass, confirmed that Hesseman died Saturday afternoon after complications arose from colon surgery.

“He was a groundbreaking talent and lifelong friend and longtime client, whose kindness and generosity was equaled by his influence and admiration to generations of actors and improvisational [comedians] throughout the world,” Kass said in a statement following the actor’s death.

Hesseman received two Emmy nominations for WKRP in Cincinnati and was a cast member of several other ’80’s sitcoms including Head of Class and One Day at a Time. He also hosted Saturday Night Live three times.

Howard Hesseman was born in Lebanon, Oregon on February 27, 1940. His parents divorced while he was a child, and he was raised by his mother and stepfather primarily. He began his acting and comedy career in San Francisco, where he was a founding member of the improv comedy troupe The Committee.

As he began acting in small roles and performing comedy with The Committee on shows like The Bob Newhart Show, Hesseman also was a radio DJ for an underground station in San Francisco, meaning he had real radio experience for his most famous TV role.

Hesseman is survived by his wife of 33 years, Caroline Ducrocq.