WKRP in Cincinnati Star “Howard Hesseman” Passes Away At 81

Howard Hesseman, the famous radio disc jockey Dr Johnny Fever of ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ is no more. He died at the age of 81 and the news was revealed by his manager. Fans and celebrities took to social media to pay their condolences to the late American actor.

How Did Howard Hesseman Die?

Howard Hesseman, the 81-year-old died on Saturday in Los Angeles. His manager Robbie Kass revealed the cause of his death the following day. He passed away due to complications resulting from his colon surgery. The Oregon native worked as a real-life jockey in the 1960s for San Francisco rock-and-roll station KMPX before making it to the big screens. Howard Hesseman started off with a San Francisco-based improv group. He began his acting career in 1968 as a guest appearance on ‘The Andy Griffith Show’. He was survived by his wife, Caroline Ducrocq. His wife happens to be an actress as well as an acting coach. He even landed in jail for selling marijuana in 1963.

Howard Hesseman – Notable Roles

Howard Hesseman rose to fame for his role in WKRP in Cincinnati. The show went on from 1978 to 1982, and he even secured two Emmy nominations for the same. WKRP was based on a struggling Ohio radio station attempting to reinvent itself through rock music. Hesseman starred in the show alongside Bonner, Richard Sanders, Gordon Jump, Gary Sandy, Loni Anderson, Jan Smithers, and Tim Reid. From 1991 to 1993, he also appeared on the syndicated reboot “The New WKRP in Cincinnati.”

While few hippie characters made it onto network television at the time, this role cemented Hesseman’s reputation as a counterculture icon. In addition, Hesseman starred in the hit ABC sitcom “Head of Class” from 1986 to 1991 and was a host on “Saturday Night Live.”

Moreover, he later went on to become one of the loved characters on television and even in his film. His other well-known shows include “The Bob Newhart Show”, “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman”. He starred in the films “Shampoo”, “”The Other Side of Midnight” and “This Is Spinal Tap.”

Many fans and celebrities, including Michael McKean and Laraine Newman poured tribute messages on Twitter.

Impossible to overstate Howard Hesseman’s influence on his and subsequent generations of improvisors. The first time I saw him on stage (Troubadour, ’71, with The Committee) I saw that he was the real deal. He was a friend for 50 years. 1/3

— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) January 30, 2022

Howard Hesseman, who played disc jockey Johnny Fever on WKRP in Cincinnati, has died. He was 81.
For years, I thought all DJs acted like him. Sometimes I still do.
He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/vJYNhVuJX1

— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) January 30, 2022

I’m hearing that Howard Hesseman passed away. His Dr Johnny Fever on WKRP is iconic, and I taped and watched HEAD OF THE CLASS over and over again growing up. From SPINAL TAP to a POLICE ACADEMY, his presence made a movie that much cooler. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/Q0crDGABHj

— Brian Lynch (@BrianLynch) January 30, 2022

#rip Howard Hesseman. The episode of KRP where Dr. Johnny Fever’s reaction times improve with every shot of booze is a classic. What a perfect marriage of actor and role. pic.twitter.com/tu6MAM7cIL

— Jason Cilo (@fullcastandcrew) January 30, 2022

Howard Hesseman was a sensation as Dr. Johnny Fever,
but let’s not forget about his appearance on Dragnet. pic.twitter.com/vFiowFu4qs

— Vintage Los Angeles (@alisonmartino) January 30, 2022

With the passing of #HowardHesseman I wanted to share one of my favorite #WKRP moments. #RipDrJohnnyFever. pic.twitter.com/buBAyf2c8I

— CJ Baits (@BaitsCJ) January 30, 2022

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