'WKRP' Star Howard Hesseman Dead at 81

Howard Hesseman, best known as Dr. Johnny Fever on WKRP in Cincinnati, died Saturday in Los Angeles.

When he had colon surgery last summer, he was at Cedars-Sinai in L.A., according to his wife.

He was hospitalized January 5 because of the surgery problems. He had trouble breathing 5 days later. He ended up in the intensive care unit after experiencing breathing difficulties. That was the beginning of the end according to the person.

Howard first appeared on the show under the name Don Sturdy, playing a hippie editor of an underground newspaper. He appeared in shows such as "Boston Legal" and "The Bob Newhart Show".

His movie roles are vast.

The role of Dr. Johnny Fever was played by Howard and he prepared for it by working as a DJ in San Francisco. He was nominated for an award.

In 1963, he was jailed for 90 days for selling a single ounce of pot. He was fired from a $100,000-a-year radio gig for using the word "booger".

When he passed, he held his hand by his side. He was surrounded by people.

He died at 81.

I am sad.