Television veteran Howard Hesseman, best known for his roles on “WKRP in Cincinnati” and “Head of the Class,” passed away on January 29th at age 81. Hesseman died from complications following colon surgery.
In a career spanning 50 years, Hesseman starred on stage and screen, often in comedic roles. His role on “WKRP” derived mainly from his real-life job as a DJ, known as Don Sturdy. He received Emmy nominations in 1980 and ’81.
Fans And Co-stars Alike Paid Tribute To Hesseman
Super Sky Point to Howard Hesseman, the sweet bastard who will forever be Dr. Johnny Fever to the millions of us who grew up on WKRP in Cincinnati. This one hurts. #RIP #Booger pic.twitter.com/ZW6LVJowXF
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) January 30, 2022
They’re remaking “Head of the Class,” but it can’t beat the original.
I’m not saying “WKRP” Howard Hesseman wasn’t great, I’m just saying “Head of the Class” Howard Hesseman was very special to a lot of neurotic 80s kids who are neurotic adults today
— Adam Weinstein (@AdamWeinstein) January 31, 2022
I hope they don’t remake “WKRP” as some millennial podcast network. Dangit it that would be awful, and now I’m ashamed I even put the idea out there.
#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
Dr. Johnny Fever!!
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
Related: WKRP Wishes Everyone Happy Thanksgiving With Crazy Helicopter Stunt
He was an icon who was a master innovator and created his Spinal Tap character in a matter of hours.
Howard’s character in Spinal Tap didn’t even exist until 24 hours before the shoot: we’d discovered that the musician we’d hired to play Duke Fame couldn’t improvise, so Rob said let’s give him a manager. I’ll call Howard. He blitzed it, of course. 2/3
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) January 30, 2022
Safe journey, Howard Hesseman. “We’d love to stand around and chat, but we’ve gotta… sit down in the lobby and wait for the limo.” pic.twitter.com/MUQZzxRkMB
— Captain Marlow (@Marlowinc) January 30, 2022
In a statement, “WKRP” co-star Loni Anderson said:
“Howard was eloquent…stylish…and hilarious,” the actress shared. “I loved getting his erudite ‘Dear Lady Loni’ emails. My favorite Howard sign-off…a quote by Louis Armstrong…’Jazz is what you are.’ And now Howard, forever missed is just what you are.”
My Memories of Howard Hesseman
My dad was a big “WKRP” fan, and we would watch re-runs on TV Land. It made me want to become a radio DJ And, when I learned he was a master of improv, it encouraged me to go out and improve my craft.
Thanks for all the memories, Howard.
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