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For those of us that grew up in the 1970s and 80s, one of the most iconic TV personalities of our time has passed away.
Howard Hesseman, who played the free-spirited DJ Dr. Johnny Fever on WKRP, is dead.
Hesseman was 81 years old.
Legend…
“WKRP in Cincinnati” was not the longest-running show, not even close, but it had its niche.
I can remember going to school the day after a new episode aired and everyone imitating Johnny Fever rants.
Who can forget this opening when Dr. Johnny Fever was brought back from the dead when the station went from elevator music to rock and roll…
That was the show that would launch Hesseman to stardom, but it was hardly where he got his start.
Before that show aired, Hesseman had been on the scene for 10 years, most notably by making appearances on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” and “Soap.”
After “WKRP,” Hesseman got “Head of the Class,” as well as a reboot of WKRP in 1991.
In all, he racked up 154 acting credits on his resume, which is astounding in and of itself.
Sadly, on Sunday, he passed away due to complications from colon surgery.
For those of us that grew up in that era, he will always be Dr. Johnny Fever.
Rest in peace.
