Howard Hesseman was born on February 27, 1940 in the small town of Lebanon, Oregon. He attended the University of Oregon in Eugene before moving to San Francisco to help create the improv group, "The Committee". He worked with that group for many years. He began performing as a character actor on various television shows, and even had a few small roles on The Andy Griffith Show, and Dragnet (1967), among others.
Hesseman is probably best know for playing radio DJ, Dr. Johnny Fever, on the classic sitcom, WKRP in Cincinnati, a role that probably came easy for him, as he had worked as a DJ when he was younger. He later starred in the high school sitcom Head of the Class, playing Mr. Moore. Lately, Hesseman has concentrated on smaller television roles, such as guest spots on That '70s Show, and Crossing Jordan.
Hesseman has been divorced twice, but is presently married to Caroline Ducrocq.