--- name: "Howard Hesseman" canonical: "https://film.one/person/howard-hesseman" fi1m_id: "howard-hesseman" imdb_id: "nm0381606" tmdb_id: 35516 wikidata_id: "Q194881" roles: ["Actor"] born: "27 February 1940" died: "29 January 2022" reviewed_on_fi1m: 4 average_fi1m_score: 70 average_as: "actor" average_over: 3 updated: "2026-10-04T19:11:12.353743+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Howard Hesseman ## Identity Howard Hesseman - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/howard-hesseman - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** howard-hesseman - **IMDb ID:** nm0381606 - **TMDB ID:** 35516 - **Wikidata ID:** Q194881 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Hesseman, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q194881, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0381606/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/35516 Actor. Born 27 February 1940 in Lebanon, Oregon, USA. Died 29 January 2022. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 27 February 1940, Lebanon, Oregon, USA - **Died:** 29 January 2022 - **Active:** 1984–2002 - **Also known as:** Howard Hessman, Don Sturdy - **Titles on Fi1m:** 4: 3 acting, 1 other - **Average Fi1m score:** 70, as actor, over 3 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1970s 77 (1), 1980s 66 (2), 2000s 77 (1) - **Score spread:** 1 at 80+, 1 at 60–79, 1 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 3 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Comedy 3, Crime 1, Drama 1, Music 1 - **Screen time:** 5 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $167m across 3 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Hesseman, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q194881, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0381606/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/35516 ## Streaming the US now - **Amazon Prime Video:** [*About Schmidt*](https://film.one/film/about-schmidt.md) (77) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Howard Hesseman > Howard Hesseman was good at playing men who had authority without much taste for ceremony. We rate his relaxed comic presence, particularly when the easy manner allows a little condescension or weariness to show. As Terry Ladd, the condescending rock manager in Rob Reiner’s *This Is Spinal Tap* (1984), Howard Hesseman makes an easy manner seem faintly dismissive. That relaxation is central to his appeal: he need not play a man as agitated to make him difficult company. The cameo fits a comedy whose actors give foolish people patient, serious attention. We laughed because the musicians are treated with such solemn care, rather than pushed at us as a succession of jokes. Hesseman is a useful part of that company, though the film’s pleasures are larger than his contribution. The more substantial account of his acting is on television, especially Dr. Johnny Fever, the burned-out DJ in *WKRP in Cincinnati* (1978–1982). Hesseman’s own radio experience and improvisation with The Committee help explain why the part suited him. He brought familiarity with the work, as well as the comic freedom to ad-lib dialogue. With Charlie Moore, the unconventional history teacher in *Head of the Class* (1986–1990), he took that relaxed approach into a leading role. It is sensible casting for a performer who could suggest authority without becoming stiff. In films, he was more often a supporting presence, with Larry Hertzel in Alexander Payne’s *About Schmidt* (2002) among the later examples. We recommend that uneven retirement comedy chiefly for Jack Nicholson’s restrained performance as Warren Schmidt. It gives Hesseman less room than his leading television work, and we would not choose it as an introduction to him. The reservation is with Payne’s comedy: its jokes about the surrounding characters can come too easily. Nicholson’s sadness is what makes the evening worthwhile. We would not confuse Hesseman’s ease with a guarantee that every character is deeply written. The burned-out men and eccentric authority figures recur often enough to make the casting seem predictable. His sustained television roles give us more to judge than the brief film appearances, however good the company. Start with Johnny Fever for Hesseman himself; choose *This Is Spinal Tap* for the whole company. ## Biography Howard Hesseman was an American actor. Born in Lebanon, Oregon, he studied at the University of Oregon and began his career in the late 1960s as a member of the San Francisco improv comedy troupe The Committee. He also worked as a radio DJ under the name Don Sturdy. Hesseman was best known for his television roles as disc jockey Dr. Johnny Fever on *WKRP in Cincinnati* (1978–1982) and history teacher Charlie Moore on *Head of the Class* (1986–1991). His film credits include *This Is Spinal Tap* (1984), *Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment* (1985) and *About Schmidt* (2002), in which he played Larry Hertzel. He appeared regularly on television and in film from the 1970s until the 2010s. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, apnews.com.* ## On Fi1m (4) ### Performed in (3) — the average rests on these - *About Schmidt* (2002), Fi1m 77, as Larry Hertzel — [page](https://film.one/film/about-schmidt.md) - *Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment* (1985), Fi1m 42, as Pete Lassard — [page](https://film.one/film/police-academy-2-their-first-assignment.md) - *This Is Spinal Tap* (1984), Fi1m 91, as Terry Ladd — [page](https://film.one/film/this-is-spinal-tap.md) ### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited - *The Jerk* (1979), Fi1m 77, as Carnival Worker (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-jerk.md) ## Complete filmography (135) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *A Christmas in Vermont* (2016), as Nick Harper - *Wild Oats* (2016), as Vespucci - *Silver Skies* (2016), as Billy - *Chicago Med* (2015), series, as Clyde Glickman - *Fresh Off the Boat* (2015), series, as Mr. Royce - *Bigfoot* (2012), as Mayor Tommy Gillis - *Salvation Boulevard* (2011), as Billy - *Mike & Molly* (2010), series, as Otis - *Halloween II* (2009), as Uncle Meat - *All About Steve* (2009), as Mr. Horowitz - *Drop Dead Diva* (2009), series, as Cole Lamburt - *Lie to Me* (2009), series, as Sam Hendricks - *The Rocker* (2008), as Gator - *Martian Child* (2007), as Dr. Berg - *John from Cincinnati* (2007), series, as Erlemeyer - *Psych* (2006), series, as Barry Saunder - *Man About Town* (2006), as Ben Giamoro - *Crazy for Christmas* (2005), as Fred Nickells - *Rockin' at the Red Dog: The Dawn of Psychedelic Rock* (2005), as narrator - *House* (2004), series, as Henry Errington — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/house-2004.md) - *Boston Legal* (2004), series, as Judge Robert Thompson — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/boston-legal.md) - *About Schmidt* (2002), as Larry Hertzel — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/about-schmidt.md) - *Boomtown* (2002), series, as Mel Castle - *The Mesmerist* (2002), as Mr. Valdemar - *Thieves* (2001), series, Actor - *Crossing Jordan* (2001), series, as Barney Reynolds - *The Sky is Falling* (2001), as Yogi Cook - *Teddy Bears' Picnic* (2001), as Ted Frye - *Three Sisters* (2001), series, as Jerry Keats - *Level 9* (2000), series, Actor - *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (2000), series, as Dr. Aden - *Family Law* (1999), series, as Howard Thomas / Randall - *That '70s Show* (1998), series, as Max - *Two Guys and a Girl* (1998), series, as Mr. Bergen - *On the 2nd Day of Christmas* (1997), as David - *High Stakes* (1997), as Wayne Dreyer - *The Practice* (1997), series, as Judge C. Williams - *Gridlock'd* (1997), as Blind Man - *The Pretender* (1996), series, as Landlord - *Innocent Victims* (1996), as Smithline - *Out-of-Sync* (1995), as Det. Caldwell - *The Outer Limits* (1995), series, as Dr. Emory Taylor - *Touched by an Angel* (1994), series, as Flynn Hodge - *ER* (1994), series, as Dr. James Broderick — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/er.md) - *Munchie Strikes Back* (1994), as Munchie (voice) - *Burke's Law* (1994), series, as Chuck Mason - *Little Miss Millions* (1993), as Nick Frost - *Lethal Exposure* (1993), as Taylor Cochran - *Rubin & Ed* (1992), as Ed Tuttle - *Quiet Killer* (1992), as Congressman Calvin Phillips - *Hot Chocolate* (1992), as Mr. Cassidy - *Murder in New Hampshire: The Pamela Wojas Smart Story* (1991), as Paul Maggioto - *The New WKRP in Cincinnati* (1991), series, Actor - *Call Me Anna* (1990), as John Ross - *The Diamond Trap* (1988), as Det. Rollings - *Amazon Women on the Moon* (1987), as Rupert King (segment "Titan Man") - *Inside Out* (1987), as Jack - *Six Against the Rock* (1987), as Joseph 'Dutch' Cretzer - *Heat* (1986), as Pinchus Zion - *Head of the Class* (1986), series, as Charlie Moore - *The Princess Who Had Never Laughed* (1986), as King - *Flight of the Navigator* (1986), as Dr. Louis Faraday - *My Chauffeur* (1986), as McBride - *Clue* (1985), as The Chief (uncredited) - *George Burns Comedy Week* (1985), series, as Andy Pace - *The Ray Bradbury Theater* (1985), series, Actor - *Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment* (1985), as Pete Lassard — Fi1m 42, [page](https://film.one/film/police-academy-2-their-first-assignment.md) - *Silence of the Heart* (1984), as Carl Lewis - *Murder, She Wrote* (1984), series, as Sheldon Greenberg - *Best Kept Secrets* (1984), as Jim Osborne - *Mister Roberts* (1984), as Doc - *This Is Spinal Tap* (1984), as Terry Ladd — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/film/this-is-spinal-tap.md) - *Focus on Fishko* (1983), as Sy - *Likely Stories, Vol. 4* (1983), as Sy Fishko - *Doctor Detroit* (1983), as Smooth Walker - *One Shoe Makes it Murder* (1982), as Joe Hervey - *Faerie Tale Theatre* (1982), series, as King - *Victims* (1982), as Charles Galloway - *Honky Tonk Freeway* (1981), as Snapper - *Private Lessons* (1981), as Lester - *Skyward* (1980), as Koup Trenton - *Gridlock* (1980), as Señor Smooth (voice) - *The Fantastic Funnies* (1980), as Dr. Johnny Fever - *The Jerk* (1979), as Carnival Worker (uncredited) — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/the-jerk.md) - *Americathon* (1979), as Kip Margolis - *You Can't Take it With You* (1979), as Wilbur C. Henderson - *Outside Chance* (1978), as David - *More Than Friends* (1978), as Avery Salminella - *WKRP in Cincinnati* (1978), series, as Dr. Johnny Fever · Director - *Loose Shoes* (1978), as Ernie Piles, War Correspondent - *The Comedy Company* (1978), as Roger Dustleman - *The Ghost of Flight 401* (1978), as Bert Stockwell - *Tarantulas: The Deadly Cargo* (1977), as Fred - *Soap* (1977), series, as Mr. Franklin - *The Other Side of Midnight* (1977), as O'Brien - *The Amazing Howard Hughes* (1977), as Jenks - *The Amazing Howard Hughes* (1977), series, as Jenks - *Tail Gunner Joe* (1977), as Lt. Ted Cantwell - *Battle of the Network Stars* (1976), series, Actor - *Quincy, M.E.* (1976), series, as D.A. Jerry Douglas - *Delvecchio* (1976), series, as Goldie - *The Big Bus* (1976), as Jack - *Silent Movie* (1976), as Executive - *Jackson County Jail* (1976), as David - *Tunnel Vision* (1976), as Senator McMannus - *Laverne & Shirley* (1976), series, Actor - *Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman* (1976), series, as Dr. Robert Williams - *One Day at a Time* (1975), series, as Sam Royer - *The Sunshine Boys* (1975), as Mr. Walsh · Commerical Director - *Whiffs* (1975), as Dr. Gopian - *Switch* (1975), series, as M.W. - *Prisoners* (1975), Actor - *The Blue Knight* (1975), as Resident - *Hustling* (1975), as Detective - *Shampoo* (1975), as Red Dog - *Baretta* (1975), series, as Walker - *The Rockford Files* (1974), series, as Al Steever — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-rockford-files.md) - *Harry O* (1974), series, as Senator Lawler - *Rhoda* (1974), series, Actor - *The Blue Knight* (1973), Actor - *The Blue Knight* (1973), series, Actor - *Jory* (1973), as Santa Rosa bartender - *Steelyard Blues* (1973), as Frank Veldini - *Kid Blue* (1973), as Confectionary Man (as Howard Hessman) - *The Bob Newhart Show* (1972), series, as Craig Plager, Augie (voice) (uncredited) - *Sanford and Son* (1972), series, Actor - *Cisco Pike* (1972), as Recording Engineer - *The Christian Licorice Store* (1971), as Last Party Guest - *Billy Jack* (1971), as Drama Teacher - *Some Kind of a Nut* (1969), as Bartender - *A Session with the Committee* (1969), as (as Don Sturdy) - *Petulia* (1968), as Hippie (uncredited) - *Mannix* (1967), series, as Ray Bennett - *The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour* (1967), series, as Various · Writer - *The Andy Griffith Show* (1960), series, as Counter Boy, Harry ## Gallery - ![Howard Hesseman](https://film.one/media/person/97922/gallery-18781332f42e.jpg) Howard Hesseman — Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Howard_Hesseman_%28handprints_in_cement%29.jpg/1280px-Howard_Hesseman_%28handprints_in_cement%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Howard Hesseman](https://film.one/media/person/97922/gallery-6c1961df0bc1.jpg) Howard Hesseman — Rob DiCaterino from Clifton, NJ, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Howard_Hesseman_2014.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Howard Hesseman at the Chiller Theatre Expo at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel in Parsippany, NJ. Saturday, April 26, 2014.](https://film.one/media/person/97922/gallery-b9ae08187005.jpg) Howard Hesseman at the Chiller Theatre Expo at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel in Parsippany, NJ. Saturday, April 26, 2014. — Rob DiCaterino from Clifton, NJ, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/Howard_Hesseman_2014_%28headshot%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Howard Hesseman](https://film.one/media/person/97922/gallery-35b796a0522d.jpg) Howard Hesseman — Image via TMDB - ![Howard Hesseman](https://film.one/media/person/97922/gallery-6452b20ca6bf.jpg) Howard Hesseman — Image via TMDB - ![Howard Hesseman](https://film.one/media/person/97922/gallery-215a46a133d3.jpg) Howard Hesseman — Image via TMDB --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/howard-hesseman