Howard Hesseman

Acting

Howard Hesseman

Born February 27, 1940 · Lebanon, Oregon, USA

Died January 29, 2022 · aged 81

Howard Hesseman (February 27, 1940 – January 29, 2022) was an American actor known for his television roles as burned out disc jockey Dr. Johnny Fever on WKRP in Cincinnati, and the lead role of history teacher Charlie Moore on Head of the Class. He appeared regularly on television and in film from the 1970s to 2010s, with other noteworthy roles including Sam Royer (the husband of lead character A…

Known For

Silver SkiesSilver Skies · 2016
Silver Skies
6.22016
MovieComedy
A group of eccentric retirees' lives are turned upside down when their beloved apartment complex is suddenly sold out from under them.
ClueClue · 1985
Clue
7.21985
MovieComedyThriller
Clue finds six colorful dinner guests gathered at the mansion of their host, Mr. Boddy -- who turns up dead after his secret is exposed: He was blackmailing all of them. With the killer among them, the guests and Boddy's chatty butler must suss out the culprit before the body count rises.
This Is Spinal TapThis Is Spinal Tap · 1984
This Is Spinal Tap
7.41984
MovieComedyMusic
"This Is Spinal Tap" shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.
Private LessonsPrivate Lessons · 1981
Private Lessons
5.71981
MovieComedyRomance
Phillip Filmore is a naive, 15-year-old, preoccupied with sex, who develops a crush on Nicole Mallow, the new 30-something, French housekeeper and sitter to look after him when Phillip's father is out of town for the summer on a "business" trip. But Mr. Filmore's unscrupulous chauffeur, Lester Lewis, takes advantage of Phillip's crush on Nicole to hire her to seduce the youth, then draws her into a plot to fake her own death in a blackmail scheme aimed to drain Phillip's trust fund.
Silent MovieSilent Movie · 1976
Silent Movie
6.51976
MovieComedy
Aspiring filmmakers Mel Funn, Marty Eggs and Dom Bell go to a financially troubled studio with an idea for a silent movie. In an effort to make the movie more marketable, they attempt to recruit a number of big name stars to appear, while the studio's creditors attempt to thwart them.
Halloween IIHalloween II · 2009
Halloween II
5.32009
MovieHorror
Laurie Strode struggles to come to terms with her brother Michael's deadly return to Haddonfield, Illinois. Meanwhile, Michael prepares for another reunion with his sister.
Police Academy 2: Their First AssignmentPolice Academy 2: Their First Assignment · 1985
Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment
6.11985
MovieComedyCrime
Officer Carey Mahoney and his cohorts have finally graduated from the Police Academy and are about to hit the streets on their first assignment. Question is, are they ready to do battle with a band of graffiti-tagging terrorists? Time will tell, but don't sell short this cheerful band of doltish boys in blue.
Mister RobertsMister Roberts · 1984
Mister Roberts
7.51984
MovieTV MovieComedy
Set aboard a navy cargo ship during World War II, this comedic drama follows Lt. Doug Roberts, who battles boredom and a tyrannical captain to the admiration of Ensign Pulver, Doc, and the crew.

Movies

Silver SkiesSilver Skies · 2016
Silver Skies
6.22016
MovieComedy
A group of eccentric retirees' lives are turned upside down when their beloved apartment complex is suddenly sold out from under them.
ClueClue · 1985
Clue
7.21985
MovieComedyThriller
Clue finds six colorful dinner guests gathered at the mansion of their host, Mr. Boddy -- who turns up dead after his secret is exposed: He was blackmailing all of them. With the killer among them, the guests and Boddy's chatty butler must suss out the culprit before the body count rises.
This Is Spinal TapThis Is Spinal Tap · 1984
This Is Spinal Tap
7.41984
MovieComedyMusic
"This Is Spinal Tap" shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.
Private LessonsPrivate Lessons · 1981
Private Lessons
5.71981
MovieComedyRomance
Phillip Filmore is a naive, 15-year-old, preoccupied with sex, who develops a crush on Nicole Mallow, the new 30-something, French housekeeper and sitter to look after him when Phillip's father is out of town for the summer on a "business" trip. But Mr. Filmore's unscrupulous chauffeur, Lester Lewis, takes advantage of Phillip's crush on Nicole to hire her to seduce the youth, then draws her into a plot to fake her own death in a blackmail scheme aimed to drain Phillip's trust fund.
Silent MovieSilent Movie · 1976
Silent Movie
6.51976
MovieComedy
Aspiring filmmakers Mel Funn, Marty Eggs and Dom Bell go to a financially troubled studio with an idea for a silent movie. In an effort to make the movie more marketable, they attempt to recruit a number of big name stars to appear, while the studio's creditors attempt to thwart them.
Halloween IIHalloween II · 2009
Halloween II
5.32009
MovieHorror
Laurie Strode struggles to come to terms with her brother Michael's deadly return to Haddonfield, Illinois. Meanwhile, Michael prepares for another reunion with his sister.
Police Academy 2: Their First AssignmentPolice Academy 2: Their First Assignment · 1985
Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment
6.11985
MovieComedyCrime
Officer Carey Mahoney and his cohorts have finally graduated from the Police Academy and are about to hit the streets on their first assignment. Question is, are they ready to do battle with a band of graffiti-tagging terrorists? Time will tell, but don't sell short this cheerful band of doltish boys in blue.
Mister RobertsMister Roberts · 1984
Mister Roberts
7.51984
MovieTV MovieComedy
Set aboard a navy cargo ship during World War II, this comedic drama follows Lt. Doug Roberts, who battles boredom and a tyrannical captain to the admiration of Ensign Pulver, Doc, and the crew.
PetuliaPetulia · 1968
Petulia
6.01968
MovieDramaRomance
Dr. Archie Bollen is having a midlife crisis. He's just divorced his wife and is establishing a new life for himself. One night, he catches the eye of Petulia Danner, a charming, free-spirited young woman. Petulia's vibrant personality hides her fear of her abusive husband, David, whose father is a powerful society figure. As Petulia and Archie's feelings for each other grow, they must decide what it is they truly want.
Flight of the NavigatorFlight of the Navigator · 1986
Flight of the Navigator
7.01986
MovieFamilyScience Fiction
12-year-old David is accidentally knocked out in the forest near his home, but when he awakens eight years have passed. His family is overjoyed to have him back, but is just as perplexed as he is that he hasn't aged. When a NASA scientist discovers a UFO nearby, David gets the chance to unravel the mystery and recover the life he lost.
About SchmidtAbout Schmidt · 2002
About Schmidt
6.92002
MovieDramaComedy
A recently retired man embarks on a journey to his estranged daughter's wedding, only to discover more about himself and life than he ever expected.
The Blue KnightThe Blue Knight · 1975
The Blue Knight
7.01975
MovieCrimeDrama
In this pilot film that preceded the short-lived series, a street cop in his last week on the force before his retirement investigates the murder of his partner.
All About SteveAll About Steve · 2009
All About Steve
5.02009
MovieComedy
After one short blind date, Mary Horowitz, a brilliant and eccentric crossword constructor, is convinced that Steve, a CCN cameraman, is her soul mate. Because his job takes him hither and yon, she crisscrosses the country following Steve, with the encouragement of a reporter, turning up at media events he's at to convince him they are perfect for each other. Along the way, she befriends an assortment of misfits who accept her for who she is, leading her to reassess her reasons for this strange journey.
Tail Gunner JoeTail Gunner Joe · 1977
Tail Gunner Joe
6.01977
MovieTV MovieDrama
Senator Joseph McCarthy from Wisconsin accuses prominent people of Communist sympathies in order to give him a national power base when he later planned to run for President.
The JerkThe Jerk · 1979
The Jerk
6.91979
MovieComedy
After discovering he's not really black like the rest of his family, likable dimwit Navin Johnson sets off on a hilarious misadventure that takes him from rags to riches and back again. The slaphappy jerk strikes it rich, but life in the fast lane isn't all it's cracked up to be and, in the end, all that really matters to Johnson is his true love.
The Diamond TrapThe Diamond Trap · 1988
The Diamond Trap
6.01988
MovieActionAdventure
When streetwise Manhattan police detectives Rawlings (Howard Hesseman) and Brendan Thomas (Ed Marinaro) discover a major diamond heist is about to go down at a renowned gallery, they enlist one of their suspects, gallery employee Tara Holden (Brooke Shields). But an attempt to foil the robbery explodes with deadly consequences for Tara. Committed to break the case, Rawlings relentlessly pursues the clues through a twisted maze of deceit and danger that takes him to England, where he and Scotland Yard detecive Charlie Lawson expose the ultimate con and solve the crime.
Amazon Women on the MoonAmazon Women on the Moon · 1987
Amazon Women on the Moon
5.91987
MovieComedyScience Fiction
Centered on a television station which features a 1950s-style sci-fi movie interspersed with a series of wild commercials, wacky shorts and weird specials, this lampoon of contemporary life and pop culture skewers some of the silliest spectacles ever created in the name of entertainment.
Hot ChocolateHot Chocolate · 1992
Hot Chocolate
3.21992
MovieComedy
B.J. Cassidy, a rich businesswoman, has to invest several billion dollars for fiscal reasons. She undertakes to buy back a small French factory, specialized in chocolate truffles...
AmericathonAmericathon · 1979
Americathon
3.71979
MovieComedy
In a story told in narrative flashbacks, a young TV consultant is hired by the President of a bankrupt USA to organize a telethon in order to prevent the country from being repossessed by wealthy Native Americans.
The RockerThe Rocker · 2008
The Rocker
6.12008
MovieComedyMusic
In the 1980s, a drummer is abandoned by his band just before they become rock superstars. Twenty years later, the drummer sees his second chance at stardom arise when he is asked to perform with his teenage nephew's high school rock band.
The Big BusThe Big Bus · 1976
The Big Bus
5.31976
MovieActionComedy
A nuclear-powered bus is making its maiden non-stop trip from New York to Denver. The journey is plagued by disasters due to the machinations of a mysterious group allied with the oil lobby. Will the down-on-his-luck driver, with a reputation for eating his passengers, be able to complete the journey?
Man About TownMan About Town · 2006
Man About Town
5.22006
MovieDramaComedy
A top Hollywood talent agent finds his cushy existence threatened when he discovers that his wife is cheating on him and that his journal has been swiped by a reporter out to bring him down.
The Other Side of MidnightThe Other Side of Midnight · 1977
The Other Side of Midnight
6.01977
MovieDramaRomance
When French beauty Noelle Page falls in love with American pilot Larry Douglas, she believes he'll marry her. Instead, he returns to the U.S and marries the sweet but naive Catherine. Even though Noelle has found a new lover, an affluent Greek named Constantin, and has started a great career as an actress, she vows revenge on her onetime lover. But once her plan is in motion, she and Larry fall in love and plot Catherine's death.
ShampooShampoo · 1975
Shampoo
6.01975
MovieComedyDrama
On Election Day, 1968, irresponsible hairdresser and ladies' man George Roundy is too busy cutting hair and dealing with his girlfriends and mistress Felicia Karpf, whose husband Lester is having an affair with his ex-girlfriend Jackie.

TV Shows

CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationCSI: Crime Scene Investigation · 2000
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
7.62000
SeriesCrimeDrama
A Las Vegas team of forensic investigators are trained to solve criminal cases by scouring the crime scene, collecting irrefutable evidence and finding the missing pieces that solve the mystery.
HouseHouse · 2004
House
8.62004
SeriesDrama
Dr. Gregory House, a drug-addicted, unconventional, misanthropic medical genius, leads a team of diagnosticians at the fictional Princeton–Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey.
Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live · 1975
Saturday Night Live
6.91975
SeriesComedy
A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.
Chicago MedChicago Med · 2015
Chicago Med
8.32015
SeriesDrama
An emotional thrill ride through the day-to-day chaos of the city's most explosive hospital and the courageous team of doctors who hold it together. They will tackle unique new cases inspired by topical events, forging fiery relationships in the pulse-pounding pandemonium of the emergency room.
ERER · 1994
ER
7.81994
SeriesDrama
ER explores the inner workings of an urban teaching hospital and the critical issues faced by the dedicated physicians and staff of its overburdened emergency room.
Murder, She WroteMurder, She Wrote · 1984
Murder, She Wrote
7.51984
SeriesMysteryCrime
An unassuming mystery writer turned sleuth uses her professional insight to help solve real-life homicide cases.
PsychPsych · 2006
Psych
7.92006
SeriesDramaComedy
Thanks to his police officer father's efforts, Shawn Spencer spent his childhood developing a keen eye for detail (and a lasting dislike of his dad). Years later, Shawn's frequent tips to the police lead to him being falsely accused of a crime he solved. Now, Shawn has no choice but to use his abilities to perpetuate his cover story: psychic crime-solving powers, all the while dragging his best friend, his dad, and the police along for the ride.
The Andy Griffith ShowThe Andy Griffith Show · 1960
The Andy Griffith Show
7.61960
SeriesComedyFamily
The Andy Griffith Show is an American sitcom first televised on CBS between October 3, 1960 and April 1, 1968. Andy Griffith portrays the widowed sheriff of the fictional small community of Mayberry, North Carolina. His life is complicated by an inept, but well-meaning deputy, Barney Fife, a spinster aunt and housekeeper, Aunt Bee, and a precocious young son, Opie. Local ne'er-do-wells, bumbling pals, and temperamental girlfriends further complicate his life. Andy Griffith stated in a Today Show interview, with respect to the time period of the show: "Well, though we never said it, and though it was shot in the '60s, it had a feeling of the '30s. It was when we were doing it, of a time gone by." The series never placed lower than seventh in the Nielsen ratings and ended its final season at number one. It has been ranked by TV Guide as the 9th-best show in American television history. Though neither Griffith nor the show won awards during its eight-season run, series co-stars Knotts and Bavier accumulated a combined total of six Emmy Awards. The show, a semi-spin-off from an episode of The Danny Thomas Show titled "Danny Meets Andy Griffith", spawned its own spin-off series, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., a sequel series, Mayberry R.F.D., and a reunion telemovie, Return to Mayberry. The show's enduring popularity has generated a good deal of show-related merchandise. Reruns currently air on TV Land, and the complete series is available on DVD. All eight seasons are also now available by streaming video services such as Netflix.
Boston LegalBoston Legal · 2004
Boston Legal
7.92004
SeriesComedyDrama
Alan Shore and Denny Crane lead a brigade of high-priced civil litigators in an upscale Boston law firm in a series focusing on the professional and personal lives of brilliant but often emotionally challenged attorneys. A spin-off of long-running series The Practice.
Crossing JordanCrossing Jordan · 2001
Crossing Jordan
7.22001
SeriesDrama
Crossing Jordan is an American television crime/drama series that stars Jill Hennessy as Jordan Cavanaugh, M.D., a crime-solving forensic pathologist employed in the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
MannixMannix · 1967
Mannix
6.81967
SeriesCrime
Mannix is an American television detective series that ran from 1967 through 1975 on CBS. Created by Richard Levinson and William Link and developed by executive producer Bruce Geller, the title character, Joe Mannix, is a private investigator. He is played by Mike Connors. Mannix was the last series produced by Desilu Productions.
That '70s ShowThat '70s Show · 1998
That '70s Show
7.91998
SeriesComedyFamily
Crank up the 8-track and flash back to a time when platform shoes and puka shells were all the rage in this hilarious retro-sitcom. For Eric, Kelso, Jackie, Hyde, Donna and Fez, a group of high school teens who spend most of their time hanging out in Eric’s basement, life in the ‘70s isn’t always so groovy. But between trying to figure out the meaning of life, avoiding their parents, and dealing with out-of-control hormones, they’ve learned one thing for sure: they’ll always get by with a little help from their friends.
The PracticeThe Practice · 1997
The Practice
7.71997
SeriesDrama
A provocative legal drama focused on young associates at a bare-bones Boston firm and their scrappy boss, Bobby Donnell. The show's forte is its storylines about “people who walk a moral tightrope.”
Lie to MeLie to Me · 2009
Lie to Me
7.92009
SeriesCrimeDrama
The world's leading deception researcher, Dr. Cal Lightman, studies facial expression, body language and tone of voice to determine when a person is lying and why, which helps law enforcement and government agencies uncover the truth. But his skills also make it easier for him to deceive others.
Quincy, M.E.Quincy, M.E. · 1976
Quincy, M.E.
7.51976
SeriesCrimeDrama
Los Angeles County medical examiner Quincy routinely engages in police investigations.
The Rockford FilesThe Rockford Files · 1974
The Rockford Files
7.61974
SeriesCrimeDrama
Cranky but likable L.A. PI Jim Rockford pulls no punches (but takes plenty of them). An ex-con sent to the slammer for a crime he didn't commit, Rockford takes on cases others don't want, aided by his tough old man, his lawyer girlfriend and some shady associates from his past.
Touched by an AngelTouched by an Angel · 1994
Touched by an Angel
7.21994
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyDrama
Monica, an angel, is tasked with bringing guidance and messages from God to various people who are at a crossroads in their lives.
Fresh Off the BoatFresh Off the Boat · 2015
Fresh Off the Boat
7.22015
SeriesComedy
A '90s-set single-camera comedy about a hip-hop-loving Asian kid growing up in suburban Orlando, being raised by an immigrant father obsessed with all things American and an immigrant mother often bewildered by white culture.
The Outer LimitsThe Outer Limits · 1995
The Outer Limits
7.71995
SeriesDramaSci-Fi & Fantasy
Anthology series composed of distinct story episodes, sometimes with a plot twist at the end, with occasional recurring story elements that were often tied together during season-finale clip shows.
Mary Hartman, Mary HartmanMary Hartman, Mary Hartman · 1976
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman
7.31976
SeriesDrama
In the fictional town of Fernwood, Ohio, suburban housewife Mary Hartman seeks the kind of domestic perfection promised by Reader’s Digest and TV commercials. Instead she finds herself suffering the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune: mass murders, low-flying airplanes and waxy yellow buildup on her kitchen floor.
One Day at a TimeOne Day at a Time · 1975
One Day at a Time
6.81975
SeriesComedy
The misadventures of a divorced mother, two teenage daughters, and their new building superintendent in Indianapolis.
The PretenderThe Pretender · 1996
The Pretender
7.41996
SeriesDramaMystery
Raised in a secret facility built for experimenting on children, Jarod is a genius who can master any profession and become anyone he has to be. When he realizes as an adult that he's actually a prisoner and his captors are not as benevolent as he's been told, he breaks out. While trying to find his real identity, Jarod helps those he encounters and tries to avoid the woman sent to retrieve him.
The Bob Newhart ShowThe Bob Newhart Show · 1972
The Bob Newhart Show
7.51972
SeriesComedy
The Bob Newhart Show is an American situation comedy produced by MTM Enterprises, which aired 142 original episodes on CBS from September 16, 1972, to April 1, 1978. Comedian Bob Newhart portrays a psychologist having to deal with his patients and fellow office workers. The show was filmed before a live audience.
Drop Dead DivaDrop Dead Diva · 2009
Drop Dead Diva
7.72009
SeriesComedyDrama
A shallow model suddenly dies in an accident only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, plus-sized attorney.