'WKRP' Star Howard Hesseman Dead at 81

[Mayhem]

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

Hesseman's wife, Caroline Ducrocq, tells TMZ he was at Cedars-Sinai in L.A. for colon surgery last summer ... but when it resulted in complications ... that's when things started to go south.

Caroline says he was hospitalized January 5 due to complications from that surgery. It got worse 5 days later when he had trouble breathing. He began experiencing breathing difficulties and ended up in ICU. Caroline says that was the beginning of the end.

Howard's breakout role was the hilarious Dr. Johnny Fever on "WKRP." Hesseman prepared for the role by working as a DJ in San Francisco at KMPX-FM for several months leading up to the production. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy.

He was 81 years old.

[Stinkerbell]

So sad. I loved this show and Howard's role. He was funny and unique in his characterization.

[Mayhem]

This show and Taxi was popular at my house.

[Stinkerbell]

This show and Taxi was popular at my house.

My mom's favorite scene from any show ever was the Thanksgiving turkey giveaway from WKRP in Cincinnati.

[Darling SilverDodger]

Who knew that turkey could not fly

[Stinkerbell]

Who knew that turkey could not fly

It's one of my favorite memories of my mother. I've never seen her laugh so hard that she couldn't catch her breath, over that one scene. Every single time she saw it.

[Mayhem]

I don't remember that one! I'll have to look it up on YouTube.

[Darling SilverDodger]

[Stinkerbell]

HAHAH!!!!  Thanks for that blast from the past!!!!!!!!!!

[Mayhem]

LOL