Beloved Actor Howard Hesseman Has Passed Away At 81

Published on January 31, 2022.

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Beloved actor Howard Hesseman, best known for his role as Dr. Johnny Fever on WKRP in Cincinnati, has sadly passed at the age of 81.

His manager Robbie Kass confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE on Sunday. The actor passed just after 5 p.m. in Los Angeles due to complications from a recent colon surgery.

“He was a groundbreaking talent and lifelong friend and long-time client, whose kindness and generosity was equaled by his influence and admiration to generations of actors and improvisational comedy throughout the world,” Kass said, adding that Hesseman “will be sorely missed and always treasured.”

The Oregon native first discovered his passion for acting in high school and college. He appeared in several small productions in San Francisco before joining the well-known improvisational troupe “The Committee” in 1965.

Hesseman stayed with the troupe until 1976 and then was cast as Dr. Johnny Fever in WKRP in Cincinnati, which aired on CBS from 1978 to 1982. Hesseman received two Emmy nominations for his work on the show.

Following his time on WKRP, Hesseman went on to play Sam Royer in the CBS sitcom One Day at a Time from 1975 to 1984. He was also known for his role as schoolteacher Charlie Moore in Head of Class, which ran on ABD from 1986 to 1991.

He is survived by his wife, actress Caroline Ducrocq.