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Howard Hesseman, best known for portraying Dr. Johnny Fever onWKRP in Cincinnati, has died. He was 81.
The actor died just after 5 p.m. local time in Los Angeles on Saturday due to complications from a recent colon surgery, his manager Robbie Kass confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement on Sunday.
Actress Caroline Ducrocq, Hesseman’s wife and acting teacher, also confirmed the actor’s passing, tellingThe Hollywood Reporterthat her late husband died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A.
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Born on February 27, 1940, Hesseman developed his passion for acting in high school and college. The Oregon native later appeared in several small productions in San Francisco before joining famous improvisational troupe “The Committee” in 1965.
After his run with the group ended in 1976, Hesseman was cast as Dr. Johnny Fever inWKRP in Cincinnati, which aired on CBS from 1978 to 1982. Hesseman, who appeared in all 90 episodes, received two Emmy nominations for his work on the show.
From 1975 to 1984, Hesseman played Sam Royer in the CBS sitcomOne Day at a Time. He also was known for his portrayal of schoolteacher Charlie Moore onHead of the Class, which ran from 1986 to 1991 on ABC.
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Hesseman appeared on several other popular programs throughout his career, includingThe Rockford Files,Laverne and Shirley, andThe Bob Newhart Show. He also hostedSaturday Night Livethree times (1979, 1982, and 1983) and had recurring roles onBoston LegalandThat ’70s Show.
On the big screen, Hesseman appeared in films such asThe Rocker(2008),All About Steve(2009),Salvation Boulevard(2011), andWild Oats(2016). In 2009, the actor secured a supporting role in Rob Zombie’s horror classic remake of the 1981 filmHalloween II.
source: people.com
