Loretta Swit remembers well the night she won her first Emmy Award.
On Sept. 7, 1980, the “Mash” star sat in her agent’s living room in Beverly Hills, watching the ceremony on TV when she heard her name called out and saw her picture flash on the screen. Swit was not in the audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium that year because her union, the Screen Actors Guild, was on strike.
Swit and her fellow “Mash” troupers Alan Alda, Mike Farrell and Jamie Farr were among the most vocal and visible actors on picket lines and at press conferences when SAG initiated its first work stoppage in 20 years on July 21, 1980. The reality of her Emmy win – after seven consecutive nominations — sunk in for Swit when she suddenly got a phone call from Europe from her friend Jacqueline Bisset. “She was so excited. She said, ‘Hey, you won!’ ” Swit recalls.
Forty-three years later,...
On Sept. 7, 1980, the “Mash” star sat in her agent’s living room in Beverly Hills, watching the ceremony on TV when she heard her name called out and saw her picture flash on the screen. Swit was not in the audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium that year because her union, the Screen Actors Guild, was on strike.
Swit and her fellow “Mash” troupers Alan Alda, Mike Farrell and Jamie Farr were among the most vocal and visible actors on picket lines and at press conferences when SAG initiated its first work stoppage in 20 years on July 21, 1980. The reality of her Emmy win – after seven consecutive nominations — sunk in for Swit when she suddenly got a phone call from Europe from her friend Jacqueline Bisset. “She was so excited. She said, ‘Hey, you won!’ ” Swit recalls.
Forty-three years later,...
- 9/1/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Barbara Bosson, who received Emmy nominations in five consecutive years for her turn as the divorcee Fay Furillo on the acclaimed NBC drama Hill Street Blues, co-created by her then-husband Steven Bochco, has died. She was 83.
Bosson died Saturday in Los Angeles, her son, director-producer Jesse Bochco, announced.
The actress also was known for her work on three ABC series: as the divorced boss of John Ritter’s San Francisco police inspector on the 1987-89 comedy-drama Hooperman, as the mayor of Los Angeles on the 1990 musical drama Cop Rock and as prosecutor Miriam Grasso on the 1995-97 legal drama Murder One. All three shows were co-created by Bochco, too.
She and Bochco first met when they attended Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh in the 1960s, and they were married from 1970 until their 1997 divorce. He died in April 2018 at age 74 after a battle with leukemia.
Bosson sparked as the needy Fay, the ex-wife of Capt.
Bosson died Saturday in Los Angeles, her son, director-producer Jesse Bochco, announced.
The actress also was known for her work on three ABC series: as the divorced boss of John Ritter’s San Francisco police inspector on the 1987-89 comedy-drama Hooperman, as the mayor of Los Angeles on the 1990 musical drama Cop Rock and as prosecutor Miriam Grasso on the 1995-97 legal drama Murder One. All three shows were co-created by Bochco, too.
She and Bochco first met when they attended Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh in the 1960s, and they were married from 1970 until their 1997 divorce. He died in April 2018 at age 74 after a battle with leukemia.
Bosson sparked as the needy Fay, the ex-wife of Capt.
- 2/20/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It was another difficult year in 2022, and the sadness extended to many beloved and groundbreaking people in the show business and media worlds who died during the past 12 months.
Scroll through a photo gallery above, which also includes the obituaries.
The acting world lost giants including Sidney Poitier and Angela Lansbury, along with such big names as James Caan, Anne Heche, Bob Saget, Kirstie Alley, Ray Liotta, Nichelle Nichols, William Hurt, Louise Fletcher, Robert Clary, Emilio Delgado, Sally Kellerman, Robbie Coltrane, Monica Vitti, Leslie Jordan, John Aniston, Tony Sirico, Charlbi Dean, Tony Dow, Irene Papas, Howard Hesseman and Seinfeld moms Estelle Harris and Liz Sheridan.
We also pay tribute to directors including Ivan Reitman, Peter Bogdanovich and Marvin J. Chomsky.
Musicians who left us this past year include Jerry Lee Lewis, Loretta Lynn, Olivia Newton-John, Meat Loaf, Ronnie Spector, Naomi Judd, Ramsey Lewis, Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Coolio. Many key...
Scroll through a photo gallery above, which also includes the obituaries.
The acting world lost giants including Sidney Poitier and Angela Lansbury, along with such big names as James Caan, Anne Heche, Bob Saget, Kirstie Alley, Ray Liotta, Nichelle Nichols, William Hurt, Louise Fletcher, Robert Clary, Emilio Delgado, Sally Kellerman, Robbie Coltrane, Monica Vitti, Leslie Jordan, John Aniston, Tony Sirico, Charlbi Dean, Tony Dow, Irene Papas, Howard Hesseman and Seinfeld moms Estelle Harris and Liz Sheridan.
We also pay tribute to directors including Ivan Reitman, Peter Bogdanovich and Marvin J. Chomsky.
Musicians who left us this past year include Jerry Lee Lewis, Loretta Lynn, Olivia Newton-John, Meat Loaf, Ronnie Spector, Naomi Judd, Ramsey Lewis, Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Coolio. Many key...
- 12/31/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Emmy-winning screenwriter Rich Eustis died October 30 in Thousand Oaks, Calif. at age 86, his family said. No cause was given.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery Related Story Howard Hesseman Dies: 'Wkrp In Cincinnati' DJ & 'Head Of The Class' Star Was 81 Related Story 'Head Of the Class' Reboot Canceled By HBO Max After One Season
Eustis was half of the writing team Eustis and Elias, who together created the hit show Head of the Class, which premiered in 1986 and ran for five seasons on ABC.
Born in Vancouver, BC, Eustis was a football star and journalist before moving to Los Angeles. He started his TV career on variety shows, writing for Dean Martin and John Denver before pairing up with his writing partner of two decades, Michael Elias.
He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special for An Evening with John Denver in...
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery Related Story Howard Hesseman Dies: 'Wkrp In Cincinnati' DJ & 'Head Of The Class' Star Was 81 Related Story 'Head Of the Class' Reboot Canceled By HBO Max After One Season
Eustis was half of the writing team Eustis and Elias, who together created the hit show Head of the Class, which premiered in 1986 and ran for five seasons on ABC.
Born in Vancouver, BC, Eustis was a football star and journalist before moving to Los Angeles. He started his TV career on variety shows, writing for Dean Martin and John Denver before pairing up with his writing partner of two decades, Michael Elias.
He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special for An Evening with John Denver in...
- 11/12/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Richard Eustis, an Emmy-award winning screenwriter and co-creator of 1986 ABC sitcom “Head of the Class,” died Oct. 30 at the age of 86 in Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Eustis served as one-half of the writing team Eustis and Elias, along with writer and director Michael Elias, who together created the high school sitcom, which ran for five seasons from 1986 to 1991. The show followed a group of gifted high school students in the Individualized Honors Program at a fictional Manhattan high school called Millard Fillmore, along with their history teacher Charlie Moore, who was portrayed by Howard Hesseman. The actor left the show before its fifth season and was replaced by Billy Connolly, who played a teacher named Billy MacGregor. Connolly’s efforts netted him a spin-off show in 1992 for the network called “Billy,” which Eustis and Elias co-created and which ran for 13 episodes.
The original show received the revival treatment in 2021 through HBO Max,...
Eustis served as one-half of the writing team Eustis and Elias, along with writer and director Michael Elias, who together created the high school sitcom, which ran for five seasons from 1986 to 1991. The show followed a group of gifted high school students in the Individualized Honors Program at a fictional Manhattan high school called Millard Fillmore, along with their history teacher Charlie Moore, who was portrayed by Howard Hesseman. The actor left the show before its fifth season and was replaced by Billy Connolly, who played a teacher named Billy MacGregor. Connolly’s efforts netted him a spin-off show in 1992 for the network called “Billy,” which Eustis and Elias co-created and which ran for 13 episodes.
The original show received the revival treatment in 2021 through HBO Max,...
- 11/11/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
John Legend took the stage at the Emmy Awards on Monday to honor the stars who left us during the past year. The “In Memoriam” segment was one of the highlights of the night, with the Egot winner performing his new song “Pieces.”
Hollywood & Media Deaths 2022: A Photo Gallery
Anthony Anderson presented Legend and the segment, saying, “It never feels like the right time to say goodbye to a loved one, a friend or a cherished icon.”
He added. “To quote Shakespeare, ‘All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players, they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.’ As we acknowledge the legends within our industry will pass on, we celebrate all that they created and shared with the world. May they rest in peace and power.”
Emmy Red Carpet Photos: Best Looks Of 2022
During Legend’s performance,...
Hollywood & Media Deaths 2022: A Photo Gallery
Anthony Anderson presented Legend and the segment, saying, “It never feels like the right time to say goodbye to a loved one, a friend or a cherished icon.”
He added. “To quote Shakespeare, ‘All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players, they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.’ As we acknowledge the legends within our industry will pass on, we celebrate all that they created and shared with the world. May they rest in peace and power.”
Emmy Red Carpet Photos: Best Looks Of 2022
During Legend’s performance,...
- 9/13/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Producers of this Monday’s Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony have some difficult decisions to make about who to honor during the emotional In Memoriam segment. John Legend will perform “Pieces,” a new song he has written for the tribute. Kenan Thompson will host the 2022 Emmys for NBC at 8 p.m. Et; 5 p.m. Pt.
Our list below includes almost 100 people who made a strong contribution to television and have died since mid-September of 2021 following the previous Emmys ceremony. Only about 40-45 of these people will probably be in the video segment. Certain to be featured will be TV Academy Hall of Fame members actress Betty White and director Jay Sandrich.Other prominent names almost certainly chosen are: Mary Alice (acting winner), Louie Anderson (acting winner), James Caan (acting nominee), Anne Heche (acting winner), Howard Hesseman (acting nominee), William Hurt (acting nominee), Gregory Itzin (acting nominee), Ray Liotta (acting winner), Burt Metcalfe...
Our list below includes almost 100 people who made a strong contribution to television and have died since mid-September of 2021 following the previous Emmys ceremony. Only about 40-45 of these people will probably be in the video segment. Certain to be featured will be TV Academy Hall of Fame members actress Betty White and director Jay Sandrich.Other prominent names almost certainly chosen are: Mary Alice (acting winner), Louie Anderson (acting winner), James Caan (acting nominee), Anne Heche (acting winner), Howard Hesseman (acting nominee), William Hurt (acting nominee), Gregory Itzin (acting nominee), Ray Liotta (acting winner), Burt Metcalfe...
- 9/12/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
There’s a generation who know him as Sheldon’s idol Professor Proton in an Emmy-winning turn on “The Big Bang Theory.” Another generation remembers him as Buddy’s adoptive dad in the film “Elf” (2003). Yet another generation grew to love him as writer-turned-innkeeper Dick Loudon, who’s surrounded by eccentric Vermonters on the sitcom “Newhart” (1982-1990). But before all those memorable characters, Bob Newhart won over audiences as psychologist Dr. Robert “Bob” Hartley on “The Bob Newhart Show,” which premiered 50 years ago on September 16, 1972.
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Emmy-nominated comedy, plus the 93rd birthday of the TV Academy Hall of Fame inductee, by touring our photo gallery ranking the 25 best episodes.
SEE50 Greatest Male TV Stars Ever, Ranked
Set in Chicago, Bob splits time between his home life with his loving but sometimes flippant wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette) and their neighbor and friend Howard Borden (Bill Daily...
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Emmy-nominated comedy, plus the 93rd birthday of the TV Academy Hall of Fame inductee, by touring our photo gallery ranking the 25 best episodes.
SEE50 Greatest Male TV Stars Ever, Ranked
Set in Chicago, Bob splits time between his home life with his loving but sometimes flippant wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette) and their neighbor and friend Howard Borden (Bill Daily...
- 9/5/2022
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
There’s a generation who know him as Sheldon’s idol Professor Proton in an Emmy-winning turn on “The Big Bang Theory.” Another generation remembers him as Buddy’s adoptive dad in the film “Elf” (2003). Yet another generation grew to love him as writer-turned-innkeeper Dick Loudon, who’s surrounded by eccentric Vermonters on the sitcom “Newhart” (1982-1990). But before all those memorable characters, Bob Newhart won over audiences as psychologist Dr. Robert “Bob” Hartley on “The Bob Newhart Show,” which premiered 50 years ago on September 16, 1972.
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Emmy-nominated comedy, plus the 93rd birthday of the TV Academy Hall of Fame inductee, by touring our photo gallery ranking the 25 best episodes.
Set in Chicago, Bob splits time between his home life with his loving but sometimes flippant wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette) and their neighbor and friend Howard Borden (Bill Daily), an airline navigator (later co-pilot) who drops in unannounced A Lot.
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Emmy-nominated comedy, plus the 93rd birthday of the TV Academy Hall of Fame inductee, by touring our photo gallery ranking the 25 best episodes.
Set in Chicago, Bob splits time between his home life with his loving but sometimes flippant wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette) and their neighbor and friend Howard Borden (Bill Daily), an airline navigator (later co-pilot) who drops in unannounced A Lot.
- 9/2/2022
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Who will be included for the special “In Memoriam” segment for Sunday night’s Oscars 2022 ceremony? For almost all other Academy Awards productions since the 1990s, producers typically select 40-50 people from the various branches. The 2021 segment had close to 100 people in a particularly fast-paced three minutes that was not very well-received since many of them were only on screen for a second or two.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2022: In Memoriam Gallery
Previous Oscar winners from acting categories passing away since last year’s late April ceremony are Olympia Dukakis, William Hurt and Sidney Poitier. Past acting nominees include Ned Beatty, Sally Kellerman and Dean Stockwell.
Almost all of the dozens on the list below were Academy members, previous nominees/winners or both.
Louie Anderson (actor)
Ed Asner (actor)
Ned Beatty (actor)
Marilyn Bergman (composer)
Val Bisoglio (actor)
Robert Blalack (visual effects)
Peter Bogdanovich (director)
David Brenner (editor)
Leslie Bricusse (composer...
SEECelebrity Deaths 2022: In Memoriam Gallery
Previous Oscar winners from acting categories passing away since last year’s late April ceremony are Olympia Dukakis, William Hurt and Sidney Poitier. Past acting nominees include Ned Beatty, Sally Kellerman and Dean Stockwell.
Almost all of the dozens on the list below were Academy members, previous nominees/winners or both.
Louie Anderson (actor)
Ed Asner (actor)
Ned Beatty (actor)
Marilyn Bergman (composer)
Val Bisoglio (actor)
Robert Blalack (visual effects)
Peter Bogdanovich (director)
David Brenner (editor)
Leslie Bricusse (composer...
- 3/24/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Sunday’s SAG Awards ceremony will return to its normal two-hour live format on TNT and TBS. One of the highlights each year is the special In Memoriam segment. It’s been a particularly rough year with over 100 deaths of prominent actors and actresses who were likely members of SAG/AFTRA. Show producers typically are able to include approximately 40-50 people in a tribute. The 2021 segment saluted 55 people because they had responsibility for 14 months instead of 12.
Among that group will certainly be previous SAG president Ed Asner, who was also a life achievement award recipient. That honorary award was also presented to Sidney Poitier and Betty White, who both died this past year.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2022: In Memoriam Gallery
Who else might be featured in the 2022 tribute? Look for Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, Oscar nominees Ned Beatty, Peter Bogdanovich and Dean Stockwell, plus Emmy champs Louie Anderson, Michael Constantine, Charles Grodin,...
Among that group will certainly be previous SAG president Ed Asner, who was also a life achievement award recipient. That honorary award was also presented to Sidney Poitier and Betty White, who both died this past year.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2022: In Memoriam Gallery
Who else might be featured in the 2022 tribute? Look for Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, Oscar nominees Ned Beatty, Peter Bogdanovich and Dean Stockwell, plus Emmy champs Louie Anderson, Michael Constantine, Charles Grodin,...
- 2/25/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
For lots of people, 2022 has gotten off to a tragic start. Not only are we still in the middle of a pandemic, but there have been lots of death announcements – particularly those sharing the passing of people in the entertainment industry. Sadly, Howard Hesseman has become one of the latest names on the list of celebrities we’ve lost in 2022. He was 81 years old at the time of his death. Hesseman, who found success in the TV/film industries, had been entertaining people for more than 50 years. Over the course of his career, Howard reached people all
Remembering Howard Hesseman: Actor Died at 81...
Remembering Howard Hesseman: Actor Died at 81...
- 2/2/2022
- by Camille Moore
- TVovermind.com
Howard Hesseman, the veteran actor known for starring in sitcoms “Wkrp in Cincinnati” and “Head of the Class,” died Jan. 29 at the age of 81. The actor is remembered here by his friend and fellow “Wkrp” star, actor-director Tim Reid.
I first met Howard Hesseman at a cast meeting before we shot the pilot for “Wkrp in Cincinnati.” The first thing I had to do was admit that I’d lifted something from him years back.
Back in the early 1970s, I was one-half of a Black and white comedy duo with Tom Dreesen. The concept for our signature routine was borrowed — Ok, lifted — from a very funny sketch that Hesseman had been a part of years before with his improv troupe, The Committee. It was a bit about teaching one of their white members how to be Black. Today it would be politically incorrect for sure. Tom and I took...
I first met Howard Hesseman at a cast meeting before we shot the pilot for “Wkrp in Cincinnati.” The first thing I had to do was admit that I’d lifted something from him years back.
Back in the early 1970s, I was one-half of a Black and white comedy duo with Tom Dreesen. The concept for our signature routine was borrowed — Ok, lifted — from a very funny sketch that Hesseman had been a part of years before with his improv troupe, The Committee. It was a bit about teaching one of their white members how to be Black. Today it would be politically incorrect for sure. Tom and I took...
- 2/1/2022
- by Tim Reid
- Variety Film + TV
Howard Hesseman, an actor with a storied Film & TV career who was best known for his role as disc jockey Dr. Johnny Fever on the CBS sitcom Wkrp in Cincinnati, has died at the age of 81. His manager, Robbie Kass, confirmed that Hesseman died Saturday afternoon after complications arose from colon surgery. In […]
The post Howard Hesseman, Who Played Dr. Johnny Fever On ‘Wkrp In Cincinnati, Dies At 81 appeared first on uInterview.
The post Howard Hesseman, Who Played Dr. Johnny Fever On ‘Wkrp In Cincinnati, Dies At 81 appeared first on uInterview.
- 1/31/2022
- by Jacob Linden
- Uinterview
Actor and two-time Emmy nominee, Howard Hesseman, best known for his roles in the '70s and '80s sitcoms, "Wkrp in Cincinnati" and "Head of the Class," has died at the age of 81.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hesseman passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles due to complications from a colon surgery procedure that he underwent last summer. The actor worked as a real-life disc jockey in San Francisco years before he landed the role of DJ Johnny Fever in "Wkrp in Cincinnati."
On the show, Fever made his way to Wkrp (a play on W-crap) after an LA radio...
The post Howard Hesseman, Star of Wkrp in Cincinnati and Head of the Class, Has Died at 81 appeared first on /Film.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hesseman passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles due to complications from a colon surgery procedure that he underwent last summer. The actor worked as a real-life disc jockey in San Francisco years before he landed the role of DJ Johnny Fever in "Wkrp in Cincinnati."
On the show, Fever made his way to Wkrp (a play on W-crap) after an LA radio...
The post Howard Hesseman, Star of Wkrp in Cincinnati and Head of the Class, Has Died at 81 appeared first on /Film.
- 1/31/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Howard Hesseman, the actor and comedian who starred as DJ Dr. Johnny Fever on Wkrp in Cincinnati and Charlie Moore on Head of the Class, has died at the age of 81.
Hesseman’s wife Caroline Ducrocq confirmed his death to the Hollywood Reporter, adding he died Saturday at a Los Angeles hospital from complications from colon cancer.
A member of the legendary San Francisco improv group the Committee and a real-life disc jockey who hit airwaves under the name Don Sturdy, Hesseman broke into acting in 1968 with a bit part...
Hesseman’s wife Caroline Ducrocq confirmed his death to the Hollywood Reporter, adding he died Saturday at a Los Angeles hospital from complications from colon cancer.
A member of the legendary San Francisco improv group the Committee and a real-life disc jockey who hit airwaves under the name Don Sturdy, Hesseman broke into acting in 1968 with a bit part...
- 1/30/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Howard Hesseman, part of the ensemble that made "WKRP in Cincinnati" a television staple, died Saturday at Cedar Sinai hospital in Los Angeles from compilations following colon surgery.
In addition to WKRP in Cincinnati, Hesseman played Captain Pete Lassard in Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, Sam Royer on One Day at a Time, and schoolteacher Charlie Moore on Head of the Class.
“He was a groundbreaking talent & life long friend and long time client, whose kindness and generosity was equaled by his influence and admiration to generations of actors and improvisational comedy throughout the world,” said his manager, Robbie Kass, who confirmed the death. “He will be sorely missed and always treasured.”
(More)...
In addition to WKRP in Cincinnati, Hesseman played Captain Pete Lassard in Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, Sam Royer on One Day at a Time, and schoolteacher Charlie Moore on Head of the Class.
“He was a groundbreaking talent & life long friend and long time client, whose kindness and generosity was equaled by his influence and admiration to generations of actors and improvisational comedy throughout the world,” said his manager, Robbie Kass, who confirmed the death. “He will be sorely missed and always treasured.”
(More)...
- 1/30/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Howard Hesseman, star of Wkrp in Cincinnati and Head of the Class, has died. The actor was 81.
Hesseman died Saturday in Los Angeles due to complications from a colon surgery, his longtime manager Robbie Kass confirmed.
More from TVLineWould You Make Amazing Jump? Has Gemstones Lost Some Shine? How Will Mando Transport Bounty? And More QsTVLine Items: Ming-Na Wen Visits Sheldon, Space Force Trailer and MoreTVLine Items: Hallmark's ER Reunion, My Brilliant Friend Returns and More
“He was a groundbreaking talent and lifelong friend and client whose kindness and generosity was equaled by his influence and admiration to generations of...
Hesseman died Saturday in Los Angeles due to complications from a colon surgery, his longtime manager Robbie Kass confirmed.
More from TVLineWould You Make Amazing Jump? Has Gemstones Lost Some Shine? How Will Mando Transport Bounty? And More QsTVLine Items: Ming-Na Wen Visits Sheldon, Space Force Trailer and MoreTVLine Items: Hallmark's ER Reunion, My Brilliant Friend Returns and More
“He was a groundbreaking talent and lifelong friend and client whose kindness and generosity was equaled by his influence and admiration to generations of...
- 1/30/2022
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Howard Hesseman, a prolific character actor who became a beloved TV mainstay through his roles on sitcoms “Wkrp in Cincinnati” and “Head of the Class,” died Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles of complications from colon surgery he had undergone last summer. He was 81 years old.
Hesseman’s death was confirmed to Variety by his longtime rep Robbie Kass.
“Howard was a groundbreaking talent and lifelong friend whose kindness and generosity was equaled by his influence and admiration to generations of actors and improvisational comedy throughout the world,” Kass stated.
Born in Lebanon, Ore. on Feb. 27, 1940, Hesseman became a counterculture favorite as he ascended into the world of entertainment in the late 1960’s. In 1965, he joined the improvisational comedy troupe The Committee in San Francisco, serving as a performing member for 10 years. Hesseman continued his start in entertainment as a radio DJ, broadcasting under the name “Don Sturdy” and...
Hesseman’s death was confirmed to Variety by his longtime rep Robbie Kass.
“Howard was a groundbreaking talent and lifelong friend whose kindness and generosity was equaled by his influence and admiration to generations of actors and improvisational comedy throughout the world,” Kass stated.
Born in Lebanon, Ore. on Feb. 27, 1940, Hesseman became a counterculture favorite as he ascended into the world of entertainment in the late 1960’s. In 1965, he joined the improvisational comedy troupe The Committee in San Francisco, serving as a performing member for 10 years. Hesseman continued his start in entertainment as a radio DJ, broadcasting under the name “Don Sturdy” and...
- 1/30/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Howard Hesseman, the actor best known for playing DJ Dr. Johnny Fever in “Wkrp in Cincinnati,” has died, his manager of 35 years, Robbie Kass of Kass Management, confirms. He was 81.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm that Howard passed away on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Los Angeles,” Kass said, adding that Howard underwent colon surgery several weeks ago and suffered complications of the surgery.
Hesseman starred in all 90 episodes of “Wkrp in Cincinnati,” from 1978 to 1982, and returned to star in nine episodes of the series revival, “The New Wkrp in Cincinnati,” in the 90s. His character’s real name was John Caravella, and he was very big in the anti-disco movement.
As “Dr. Johnny Fever,” Hesseman notched two nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, in 1980 and 1981.
Following “Wkrp in Cincinnati,” Hesseman landed two more beloved television roles. He starred as teacher Charlie Moore...
“Unfortunately, I can confirm that Howard passed away on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Los Angeles,” Kass said, adding that Howard underwent colon surgery several weeks ago and suffered complications of the surgery.
Hesseman starred in all 90 episodes of “Wkrp in Cincinnati,” from 1978 to 1982, and returned to star in nine episodes of the series revival, “The New Wkrp in Cincinnati,” in the 90s. His character’s real name was John Caravella, and he was very big in the anti-disco movement.
As “Dr. Johnny Fever,” Hesseman notched two nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, in 1980 and 1981.
Following “Wkrp in Cincinnati,” Hesseman landed two more beloved television roles. He starred as teacher Charlie Moore...
- 1/30/2022
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Photo: ‘Head of the Class’ If you don’t remember the original ‘Head of the Class’, then that’s okay. ‘Head of the Class’, first premiering in 1986, was a teen sitcom about a ragtag group of gifted students and their unconventional teacher (Howard Hesseman). The show is remembered for being a vehicle for a lot of rising stars, such as Robin Givens and Dan Schneider. ‘Head of the Class’ was never really as popular as other teen sitcoms of the time, like ‘Saved by the Bell’ or ‘Boy Meets World’, thus it hasn’t really made a lasting impression. With the reboot of ‘Head of the Class’, starring Isabella Gomez of the ‘One Day at a Time’ reboot, it seems as though it might have a similar legacy as the original. The new ‘Head of the Class’, like the original, is a fun vehicle for young stars, but is ultimately...
- 11/9/2021
- by Brianna Benozich
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
If you don’t know or remember much about Head Of The Class, the ABC sitcom about a bunch of gifted high schoolers and their teacher, Mr. Moore (Howard Hesseman of Wkrp In Cincinnati fame), that’s not such a bad way to enter into HBO Max’s revival of Head Of The Class. In fact, it’s fair to say that you could enter…...
- 11/4/2021
- by Will Harris
- avclub.com
Things I remember about the original Head of the Class, which aired on ABC from 1986 to 1991: that terrific ensemble cast. Howard Hesseman, Robin Givens and the guy who’s now running Paramount Pictures? Come on! The opening credits and Ed Alton’s theme music. It’s a bop! The Moscow episodes. Your history books may say otherwise, but in my mind, the Cold War was ended by Rocky IV and Head of the Class.
Thing I don’t remember about the original Head of the Class: what the show’s actual premise was. As best I can explain, it was about a ...
Thing I don’t remember about the original Head of the Class: what the show’s actual premise was. As best I can explain, it was about a ...
- 11/2/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Things I remember about the original Head of the Class, which aired on ABC from 1986 to 1991: that terrific ensemble cast. Howard Hesseman, Robin Givens and the guy who’s now running Paramount Pictures? Come on! The opening credits and Ed Alton’s theme music. It’s a bop! The Moscow episodes. Your history books may say otherwise, but in my mind, the Cold War was ended by Rocky IV and Head of the Class.
Thing I don’t remember about the original Head of the Class: what the show’s actual premise was. As best I can explain, it was about a ...
Thing I don’t remember about the original Head of the Class: what the show’s actual premise was. As best I can explain, it was about a ...
- 11/2/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Frank Bonner, the actor who played the plaid-suited sales manager Herb Tarlek on the CBS comedy Wkrp in Cincinnati, died Wednesday of complications from Lewy body dementia at his home in Laguna Niguel, CA. He was 79.
His death was announced on Facebook by daughter Desiree Boers-Kort. “I’m deeply saddened to let you know that our beloved Frank Bonner passed away today at age 79,” she wrote on the Wkrp in Cincinnati home page. “He loved his fans and was still signing autograph requests up until the last few weeks of his illness. Thank you to all who followed his career. He will be forever missed.”
Born Frank Boers Jr. in Little Rock, Arkansas, Bonner made his acting debut in 1967’s horror film The Equinox … A Journey Into the Unknown (retitled Equinox in a largely re-shot 1970 version). Subsequent episodic TV appearances followed, including roles in the late ’60s-early ’70s series such as Mannix,...
His death was announced on Facebook by daughter Desiree Boers-Kort. “I’m deeply saddened to let you know that our beloved Frank Bonner passed away today at age 79,” she wrote on the Wkrp in Cincinnati home page. “He loved his fans and was still signing autograph requests up until the last few weeks of his illness. Thank you to all who followed his career. He will be forever missed.”
Born Frank Boers Jr. in Little Rock, Arkansas, Bonner made his acting debut in 1967’s horror film The Equinox … A Journey Into the Unknown (retitled Equinox in a largely re-shot 1970 version). Subsequent episodic TV appearances followed, including roles in the late ’60s-early ’70s series such as Mannix,...
- 6/17/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Frank Bonner, the veteran actor who became famous for portraying Herb Tarlek on the TV sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died Wednesday. He was 79.
Bonner’s family confirmed to TMZ that the actor died as a result of complications from Lewy body dementia.
Desiree Boers-Kort, Bonner’s daughter, posted in a “WKRP In Cincinnati” Facebook group, saying that the actor “loved his fans and was still signing autograph requests up until the last few weeks of his illness. Thank you to all who followed his career. He will be forever missed."
Bonner appeared in 88 of the 90 episodes of “WKRP in Cincinnati,” which aired for four seasons from 1978-82. He also directed six episodes of the sitcom, which followed the misadventures of the staff of a struggling rock radio station in Cincinnati. Bonner’s character was a tasteless sales manager at the station who often failed to secure deals with major advertising agencies.
Bonner’s family confirmed to TMZ that the actor died as a result of complications from Lewy body dementia.
Desiree Boers-Kort, Bonner’s daughter, posted in a “WKRP In Cincinnati” Facebook group, saying that the actor “loved his fans and was still signing autograph requests up until the last few weeks of his illness. Thank you to all who followed his career. He will be forever missed."
Bonner appeared in 88 of the 90 episodes of “WKRP in Cincinnati,” which aired for four seasons from 1978-82. He also directed six episodes of the sitcom, which followed the misadventures of the staff of a struggling rock radio station in Cincinnati. Bonner’s character was a tasteless sales manager at the station who often failed to secure deals with major advertising agencies.
- 6/17/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Frank Bonner, the actor who played radio-station sales manager Herb Tarlek on “Wkrp in Cincinnati” died on Wednesday, his friend and former co-star Gary Sandy has confirmed. He was 79.
“It Is True!” Sandy posted to Facebook. “Rip My Great Friend!!!”
TMZ first reported on Thursday that Bonner died “a result of complications from Lewy body dementia.” His family told the outlet that Bonner died “peacefully” with loved ones present.
“Wkrp in Cincinnati” aired from 1978 to 1982, with Bonner starring on all four seasons as the brash and ineffectual sales manager Herb Tarlek. The rest of the cast on the ensemble sitcom included Sandy, Howard Hesseman, Gordon Jump, Loni Anderson, Tim Reid, Jan Smithers and Richard Sanders.
The show returned as “The New Wkrp in Cincinnati” in the early ’90s, and Bonner returned to reprise his role. Between the two iterations, Bonner played Father Robert Hargis in the “Growing Pains” spinoff series “Just the Ten of Us.
“It Is True!” Sandy posted to Facebook. “Rip My Great Friend!!!”
TMZ first reported on Thursday that Bonner died “a result of complications from Lewy body dementia.” His family told the outlet that Bonner died “peacefully” with loved ones present.
“Wkrp in Cincinnati” aired from 1978 to 1982, with Bonner starring on all four seasons as the brash and ineffectual sales manager Herb Tarlek. The rest of the cast on the ensemble sitcom included Sandy, Howard Hesseman, Gordon Jump, Loni Anderson, Tim Reid, Jan Smithers and Richard Sanders.
The show returned as “The New Wkrp in Cincinnati” in the early ’90s, and Bonner returned to reprise his role. Between the two iterations, Bonner played Father Robert Hargis in the “Growing Pains” spinoff series “Just the Ten of Us.
- 6/17/2021
- by Tony Maglio and Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Bill Lawrence’s “Head of the Class” reboot has been picked up to series at HBO Max, the streamer announced Wednesday.
The half-hour multi-camera comedy is an adaptation of the ABC comedy that ran for five seasons in the 1980s. It centers on a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher, Alicia Adams (“One Day at a Time” star Isabella Gomez), who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
Jorge Diaz, Jolie Hoang Rappaport, Gavin Lewis, Dior Goodjohn, Brandon Severs (“Diary of a Future President”), Adrian Matthew Escalona and Katie Beth Hall also star.
Bill Lawrence is the executive producer on the series alongside writers Amy Pocha and Seth Cohen and Jeff Ingold of Lawrence’s Doozer Productions. Doozer’s Liza Katzer is co-executive producer. Phill Lewis directed the pilot.
The original “Head of the Class” premiered in 1986 and...
The half-hour multi-camera comedy is an adaptation of the ABC comedy that ran for five seasons in the 1980s. It centers on a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher, Alicia Adams (“One Day at a Time” star Isabella Gomez), who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
Jorge Diaz, Jolie Hoang Rappaport, Gavin Lewis, Dior Goodjohn, Brandon Severs (“Diary of a Future President”), Adrian Matthew Escalona and Katie Beth Hall also star.
Bill Lawrence is the executive producer on the series alongside writers Amy Pocha and Seth Cohen and Jeff Ingold of Lawrence’s Doozer Productions. Doozer’s Liza Katzer is co-executive producer. Phill Lewis directed the pilot.
The original “Head of the Class” premiered in 1986 and...
- 3/31/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Half-hour multicamera comedy “Head of the Class” has been given a 10-episode series order from streaming platform HBO Max.
The original series, which is being executive produced by Bill Lawrence (of “Ted Lasso” and “Scrubs”) alongside exec producers and writers Amy Pocha and Seth Cohen (of “Paradise Pd” and “American Vandal”), stars “One Day at a Time” actor Isabella Gomez as well as Jorge Diaz, Jolie Hoang Rappaport, Gavin Lewis, Dior Goodjohn, Brandon Severs, Adrian Matthew Escalona, and Katie Beth Hall, plus guest star Christa Miller.
“Head of the Class” — a reboot of the original 1980s comedy created by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias — centers on a “group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher, Alicia Adams, who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.”
Warner Bros. Television and Doozer Productions are producing the series, which will begin filming this summer in Los Angeles.
The original series, which is being executive produced by Bill Lawrence (of “Ted Lasso” and “Scrubs”) alongside exec producers and writers Amy Pocha and Seth Cohen (of “Paradise Pd” and “American Vandal”), stars “One Day at a Time” actor Isabella Gomez as well as Jorge Diaz, Jolie Hoang Rappaport, Gavin Lewis, Dior Goodjohn, Brandon Severs, Adrian Matthew Escalona, and Katie Beth Hall, plus guest star Christa Miller.
“Head of the Class” — a reboot of the original 1980s comedy created by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias — centers on a “group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher, Alicia Adams, who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.”
Warner Bros. Television and Doozer Productions are producing the series, which will begin filming this summer in Los Angeles.
- 3/31/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Katie Beth Hall has been cast in the “Head of the Class” reboot pilot at HBO Max, Variety has learned exclusively.
She joins previously announced series lead Isabella Gomez as well as cast members Jorge Diaz, Dior Goodjohn, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Brandon Severs, and Christa Miller.
The rebooted series revolves around a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher Alicia Adams (Gomez), who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
Hall will star as Sarah Watson. She is on the swim team with Terrell (Severs) and is a type A personality that’s driven to create her own destiny.
Hall previously appeared on shows like “Happy!” in the role of Brooke, “Better Call Saul” as Young Kim, and “Bull.” She is repped by Jordan, Gill & Dornbaum Talent Agency, Inc., 3 Arts Entertainment, and Morris Yorn.
The pilot for “Head of the Class...
She joins previously announced series lead Isabella Gomez as well as cast members Jorge Diaz, Dior Goodjohn, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Brandon Severs, and Christa Miller.
The rebooted series revolves around a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher Alicia Adams (Gomez), who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
Hall will star as Sarah Watson. She is on the swim team with Terrell (Severs) and is a type A personality that’s driven to create her own destiny.
Hall previously appeared on shows like “Happy!” in the role of Brooke, “Better Call Saul” as Young Kim, and “Bull.” She is repped by Jordan, Gill & Dornbaum Talent Agency, Inc., 3 Arts Entertainment, and Morris Yorn.
The pilot for “Head of the Class...
- 1/27/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Five actors have been added to the cast of the Head of the Class reboot pilot. Isabella Gomez stars in the projects as an unorthodox teacher who tries to get her students to look beyond their grades and experience the world around them.
The original comedy series aired on ABC for five seasons and starred Howard Hesseman, Billy Connolly, William G. Schilling, Jeanetta Arnette, Dan Frischman, Robin Givens, Khrystyne Haje, Tony O'Dell, Brian Robbins, Kimberly Russell, Dan Schneider, Tannis Vallely, Leslie Bega, Joher Coleman, Rain Pryor, Michael DeLorenzo, Lara Piper, De'voreaux White, and Jonathan Ke Quan.
Jorge Diaz, Dior Goodjohn, Brandon Severs, Adrian Matthew Escalona, and Christa Miller have all been added to the cast of the new Head of the Class.
Deadline revealed more about their roles for the :
“Diaz plays Elliot Olsen, a goofy...
The original comedy series aired on ABC for five seasons and starred Howard Hesseman, Billy Connolly, William G. Schilling, Jeanetta Arnette, Dan Frischman, Robin Givens, Khrystyne Haje, Tony O'Dell, Brian Robbins, Kimberly Russell, Dan Schneider, Tannis Vallely, Leslie Bega, Joher Coleman, Rain Pryor, Michael DeLorenzo, Lara Piper, De'voreaux White, and Jonathan Ke Quan.
Jorge Diaz, Dior Goodjohn, Brandon Severs, Adrian Matthew Escalona, and Christa Miller have all been added to the cast of the new Head of the Class.
Deadline revealed more about their roles for the :
“Diaz plays Elliot Olsen, a goofy...
- 1/25/2021
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Exclusive: Watchmen actress Jolie Hoang-Rappaport is going back to school. She is the latest to join the roster of the Head of the Class reboot at HBO Max.
Created by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias, the original Head of the Class ran on ABC from 1986-91. It followed a group of gifted students at the fictional Millard Fillmore High School in Manhattan and their history teacher Charlie Moore, played by Howard Hesseman.
The reimagined series isn’t too far from the original but will modernize it and swaps gender of the teacher. It revolves around a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — teacher Alicia Adams, who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life. The news of Hoang-Rappaport’s casting comes after Deadline exclusively reported that One Day at a Time actor Isabella Gomez will be stepping into the role of Alicia Adams.
Created by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias, the original Head of the Class ran on ABC from 1986-91. It followed a group of gifted students at the fictional Millard Fillmore High School in Manhattan and their history teacher Charlie Moore, played by Howard Hesseman.
The reimagined series isn’t too far from the original but will modernize it and swaps gender of the teacher. It revolves around a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — teacher Alicia Adams, who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life. The news of Hoang-Rappaport’s casting comes after Deadline exclusively reported that One Day at a Time actor Isabella Gomez will be stepping into the role of Alicia Adams.
- 11/30/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Mere hours after One Day at a Time‘s second cancellation was made official, one of the beloved sitcom’s stars already has a Class-y new gig lined up.
Isabella Gomez — who played Elena Alvarez, daughter of Justina Machado’s Penelope, on Odaat — has landed the starring role in HBO Max’s in-the-works reboot of Head of the Class. She will play Alicia Adams, a whip-smart, funny and blunt high school teacher. She succeeds Howard Hesseman, who starred as the teacher in the original ABC version.
More from TVLineThe Flight Attendant Episode 2 Recap: To (Sort of) Tell the TruthSearch Party...
Isabella Gomez — who played Elena Alvarez, daughter of Justina Machado’s Penelope, on Odaat — has landed the starring role in HBO Max’s in-the-works reboot of Head of the Class. She will play Alicia Adams, a whip-smart, funny and blunt high school teacher. She succeeds Howard Hesseman, who starred as the teacher in the original ABC version.
More from TVLineThe Flight Attendant Episode 2 Recap: To (Sort of) Tell the TruthSearch Party...
- 11/25/2020
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
Isabella Gomez is set to lead the “Head of the Class” reboot pilot currently in the works at HBO Max, Variety has confirmed.
News of Gomez’s casting comes just one day after it was announced that “One Day at a Time” had been canceled for a second time. Gomez has starred on the show throughout its four season run.
The new version of “Head of the Class” is about a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher (Gomez) who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
Gomez takes over the role of the teacher played in the original series by Howard Hesseman and later Billy Connolly. . In addition to her work on “One Day at a Time,” Gomez’s past credits include “Big Hero 6: The Series,” “Modern Family,” “Matador,” and “Star vs. the Forces of Evil.”
She...
News of Gomez’s casting comes just one day after it was announced that “One Day at a Time” had been canceled for a second time. Gomez has starred on the show throughout its four season run.
The new version of “Head of the Class” is about a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher (Gomez) who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
Gomez takes over the role of the teacher played in the original series by Howard Hesseman and later Billy Connolly. . In addition to her work on “One Day at a Time,” Gomez’s past credits include “Big Hero 6: The Series,” “Modern Family,” “Matador,” and “Star vs. the Forces of Evil.”
She...
- 11/25/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: One Day at a Time star Isabella Gomez is set as the lead of HBO Max’s multi-camera comedy pilot Head of the Class, a reboot of the popular 1980s ABC sitcom. Gomez’s casting reveals a gender swap in the follow-up as the lead in the original series was played by Howard Hesseman.
HBO Max in May ordered a pilot and five additional scripts for Head of the Class, which hails from American Vandal writers Amy Pocha and Seth Cohen, Bill Lawrence and his Doozer Productions; and Warner Bros. Television, which produced the original series.
Written by Pocha and Cohen, based on the original series created by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias, the reimagined Head of the Class revolves around a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a first-time teacher, Alicia Adams (Gomez), who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
HBO Max in May ordered a pilot and five additional scripts for Head of the Class, which hails from American Vandal writers Amy Pocha and Seth Cohen, Bill Lawrence and his Doozer Productions; and Warner Bros. Television, which produced the original series.
Written by Pocha and Cohen, based on the original series created by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias, the reimagined Head of the Class revolves around a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a first-time teacher, Alicia Adams (Gomez), who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
- 11/25/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Easy Rider terrifies twenty confused studio executives because they don’t understand it. Hoping to keep their jobs, they rush to hire more longhairs to make movies ‘the kids’ will see. Ex- UCLA film student B.L. Norton parlayed his way into writing and directing on the streets of Los Angeles, with new stars Gene Hackman and Karen Black, and singer-songwriter of the year Kris Kristofferson in his first starring role as a musician forced to deal marijuana by a corrupt cop. A time travel trip back to the City of the Angels circa 1971, it’s realistic and honest, and Kristofferson turns out to have terrific camera presence.
Cisco Pike
Region B Blu-ray
Powerhouse Indicator
1972 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 95 min. / Street Date May 25, 2020 / available from Powerhouse Films UK / £ 15.99
Starring: Kris Kristofferson, Karen Black, Gene Hackman, Harry Dean Stanton, Viva, Joy Bang, Roscoe Lee Browne, Severn Darden, Antonio Fargas, Doug Sahm, Allan Arbus,...
Cisco Pike
Region B Blu-ray
Powerhouse Indicator
1972 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 95 min. / Street Date May 25, 2020 / available from Powerhouse Films UK / £ 15.99
Starring: Kris Kristofferson, Karen Black, Gene Hackman, Harry Dean Stanton, Viva, Joy Bang, Roscoe Lee Browne, Severn Darden, Antonio Fargas, Doug Sahm, Allan Arbus,...
- 5/19/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
HBO Max has given a pilot production order, plus five additional scripts, for a reboot of the classic 1980s ABC sitcom “Head of the Class.”
The project, which is written by Amy Pocha and Seth Cohen of “American Vandal,” would be a half-hour, multi-camera family comedy.
Here is the logline for the potential new series: “Head of the Class” is about a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
The project, which is written by Amy Pocha and Seth Cohen of “American Vandal,” would be a half-hour, multi-camera family comedy.
Here is the logline for the potential new series: “Head of the Class” is about a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
- 5/12/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
HBO Max has ordered a pilot and five additional scripts for Head of the Class, a half-hour multi-camera comedy based on the popular 1986 ABC comedy series, from American Vandal writers Amy Pocha and Seth Cohen, Uncle Buck creators Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley, Bill Lawrence and his Doozer Productions and Warner Horizon Scripted Television, which produced the original series and where Doozer is based.
Written by Pocha and Cohen, based on the original series created by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias, the reimagined Head of the Class revolves around a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
Pocha and Cochen will pen the pilot. They will also executive produce and serve as co-showrunners, along with Cragg and Bradley. Doozer’s Bill Lawrence and Jeff Ingold executive produce. Liza Katzer is co-executive producer for Doozer,...
Written by Pocha and Cohen, based on the original series created by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias, the reimagined Head of the Class revolves around a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
Pocha and Cochen will pen the pilot. They will also executive produce and serve as co-showrunners, along with Cragg and Bradley. Doozer’s Bill Lawrence and Jeff Ingold executive produce. Liza Katzer is co-executive producer for Doozer,...
- 5/12/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“Head of the Class” could be back in session.
HBO Max has issued a pilot production order (plus five additional scripts) for a potential series based on the classic ABC sitcom from the 1980s.
Here’s the logline for the updated version: “Head of the Class” is about a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
The project hails from Doozer Productions in association with Warner Horizon Scripted Television. “American Vandal” alums Amy Pocha and Seth Cohen serve as writers, co-showrunners and executive producers on the prospective half-hour, multi-camera family comedy. Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley are also co-showrunners and exec producers.
“Head of the Class” was created by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias, and ran for five seasons and 114 episodes on ABC, premiering in 1986 and ending in 1991. It centered around...
HBO Max has issued a pilot production order (plus five additional scripts) for a potential series based on the classic ABC sitcom from the 1980s.
Here’s the logline for the updated version: “Head of the Class” is about a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher who wants them to focus less on grades and more on experiencing life.
The project hails from Doozer Productions in association with Warner Horizon Scripted Television. “American Vandal” alums Amy Pocha and Seth Cohen serve as writers, co-showrunners and executive producers on the prospective half-hour, multi-camera family comedy. Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley are also co-showrunners and exec producers.
“Head of the Class” was created by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias, and ran for five seasons and 114 episodes on ABC, premiering in 1986 and ending in 1991. It centered around...
- 5/12/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
On Thursday, October 17, the International Myeloma Foundation (Imf), the first and largest myeloma-specific foundation in the world, presented its 13th Annual Comedy Celebration benefiting the Peter Boyle Research Fund and supporting the Black Swan Research Initiative (Bsri) at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.
Kevin Nealon, Patton Oswalt and Ray Romano attend the International Myeloma Foundation 13th Annual Comedy Celebration
Credit/Copyright: Araya Diaz/Getty Images for International Myeloma Foundation
Actor and comedian Ray Romano returned to host an unforgettable evening of laughs featuring some of the biggest names in comedy to raise money for research to find a cure for multiple myeloma, cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, and one of the fastest growing blood cancers in the world. Joining Romano on-stage was an all-star lineup of comics including Adam Carolla, Demetri Martin, Kevin Nealon, Patton Oswalt, Caroline Rhea and Amanda Seales (Insecure).
Additional attendees included Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey), Alex Meneses,...
Kevin Nealon, Patton Oswalt and Ray Romano attend the International Myeloma Foundation 13th Annual Comedy Celebration
Credit/Copyright: Araya Diaz/Getty Images for International Myeloma Foundation
Actor and comedian Ray Romano returned to host an unforgettable evening of laughs featuring some of the biggest names in comedy to raise money for research to find a cure for multiple myeloma, cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, and one of the fastest growing blood cancers in the world. Joining Romano on-stage was an all-star lineup of comics including Adam Carolla, Demetri Martin, Kevin Nealon, Patton Oswalt, Caroline Rhea and Amanda Seales (Insecure).
Additional attendees included Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey), Alex Meneses,...
- 10/24/2019
- Look to the Stars
Stars: Joey Cramer, Paul Reubens, Cliff De Young, Veronica Cartwright, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matt Adler, Howard Hesseman | Written by Michael Burton, Matt MacManus | Directed by Randal Kleiser
I grew up with Flight of the Navigator. It’s always been one of my favourite movies. A family sci-fi adventure film that kinda fell under the radar to some degree and has since become a cult classic. It’s charming, it’s funny, it’s nostalgic as hell and it’s incredibly entertaining, so I was completely and utterly on board when Second Sight announced their upcoming Blu-ray release. A limited edition release with special features, extra goodies and a new transfer? Fans are very happy. I had a chance to take a look at the blu-ray release and here are my thoughts on it, as well as my opinions, all these years later, on the film itself.
The film was directed by Randal Kleiser,...
I grew up with Flight of the Navigator. It’s always been one of my favourite movies. A family sci-fi adventure film that kinda fell under the radar to some degree and has since become a cult classic. It’s charming, it’s funny, it’s nostalgic as hell and it’s incredibly entertaining, so I was completely and utterly on board when Second Sight announced their upcoming Blu-ray release. A limited edition release with special features, extra goodies and a new transfer? Fans are very happy. I had a chance to take a look at the blu-ray release and here are my thoughts on it, as well as my opinions, all these years later, on the film itself.
The film was directed by Randal Kleiser,...
- 8/22/2019
- by Chris Cummings
- Nerdly
Gerald “Jerry” Blum, the inspiration for the character of radio station general manager Art “Big Guy” Carlson on the long-running TV sitcom “Wkrp in Cincinnati,” died Saturday at 86.
The Atlanta radio veteran was affectionately transformed into the fictional Carlson by veteran comic actor Gordon Jump on “Wkrp,” which ran for four seasons on CBS from 1978 to 1982.
Blum passed away of congestive heart failure, according to his son, Gary.
Blum was the former president/Gm of Atlanta Top 40 mainstay Wqxi, heading that station from 1960 to 1989 and what is currently Wstr (Star 94.1) from ’67 to ’89, running legendary promotions like the “Ramblin’ Raft Race” in the ‘70s and “Light Up Atlanta Festival” in the early ‘80s.
“Wkrp in Cincinnati” creator Hugh Wilson knew Blum from his own years in Atlanta working in ad sales at Wqxi, and recreated some of Blum’s wackier promos for the show, especially “Turkeys Away,” which focused on “Big...
The Atlanta radio veteran was affectionately transformed into the fictional Carlson by veteran comic actor Gordon Jump on “Wkrp,” which ran for four seasons on CBS from 1978 to 1982.
Blum passed away of congestive heart failure, according to his son, Gary.
Blum was the former president/Gm of Atlanta Top 40 mainstay Wqxi, heading that station from 1960 to 1989 and what is currently Wstr (Star 94.1) from ’67 to ’89, running legendary promotions like the “Ramblin’ Raft Race” in the ‘70s and “Light Up Atlanta Festival” in the early ‘80s.
“Wkrp in Cincinnati” creator Hugh Wilson knew Blum from his own years in Atlanta working in ad sales at Wqxi, and recreated some of Blum’s wackier promos for the show, especially “Turkeys Away,” which focused on “Big...
- 2/19/2019
- by Roy Trakin
- Variety Film + TV
The best kind of Thanksgiving leftovers are the ones from the past five decades of television. Our favorite TV shows have provided the sort of memories that last long beyond the turkey and stuffing that will be gone by the weekend after. Take a photo gallery tour above with the greatest Thanksgiving episodes in TV history. Click through and enjoy reliving the following special holiday programs.
SEEBob Newhart Interview:: ‘The Big Bang Theory’
1. The Bob Newhart Show; “Over the River and Through the Woods” (1975)
Bob Hartley (Bob Newhart) and friends Jerry (Peter Bonerz), Howard (Bill Daily), and Mr. Carlin (Jack Riley) get completely drunk while spending the holiday at Bob’s apartment. His wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette) is back at home visiting her family. You’ve got to see how the boys order Chinese food for Thanksgiving.
2. Wkrp in Cincinnati; “Turkeys Away” (1978)
Les Nessman (Richard Sanders) reports Hindenburg-style from a...
SEEBob Newhart Interview:: ‘The Big Bang Theory’
1. The Bob Newhart Show; “Over the River and Through the Woods” (1975)
Bob Hartley (Bob Newhart) and friends Jerry (Peter Bonerz), Howard (Bill Daily), and Mr. Carlin (Jack Riley) get completely drunk while spending the holiday at Bob’s apartment. His wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette) is back at home visiting her family. You’ve got to see how the boys order Chinese food for Thanksgiving.
2. Wkrp in Cincinnati; “Turkeys Away” (1978)
Les Nessman (Richard Sanders) reports Hindenburg-style from a...
- 11/20/2018
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
On Saturday, November 3, the International Myeloma Foundation (Imf), the first and largest myeloma-specific foundation in the world, presented its 12th Annual Comedy Celebration benefiting the Peter Boyle Research Fund and supporting the Black Swan Research Initiative (Bsri) at The Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.
Gabriel Iglesias, Sasheer Zamata, Jim Jefferies, Kevin Nealon, Natasha Leggero, Cristela Alonzo and Chaunté Wayans
Credit/Copyright: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for International Myeloma Foundation
Actor and comedian Kevin Nealon hosted an unforgettable evening of laughs featuring some of the biggest names in comedy to raise money for research to find a cure for multiple myeloma, cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, and one of the fastest growing blood cancers in the world. Nealon took over the hosting duties from Ray Romano, and shared it was an important cause for him to support as his mother has multiple myeloma. At the event he said,...
Gabriel Iglesias, Sasheer Zamata, Jim Jefferies, Kevin Nealon, Natasha Leggero, Cristela Alonzo and Chaunté Wayans
Credit/Copyright: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for International Myeloma Foundation
Actor and comedian Kevin Nealon hosted an unforgettable evening of laughs featuring some of the biggest names in comedy to raise money for research to find a cure for multiple myeloma, cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, and one of the fastest growing blood cancers in the world. Nealon took over the hosting duties from Ray Romano, and shared it was an important cause for him to support as his mother has multiple myeloma. At the event he said,...
- 11/8/2018
- Look to the Stars
Stars: Rosanna Arquette, Michelle Pfeiffer, Arsenio Hall, Donald F. Muhich, Monique Gabrielle, Lou Jacobi, Erica Yohn, Phil Hartman, Corey Burton, Peter Horton, Griffin Dunne, Joe Pantoliano, Steve Forrest, Forrest J. Ackerman, Sybil Danning, David Alan Grier, Steve Guttenberg, Henry Silva, Robert Picardo, Rip Taylor, Ed Begley Jr., Dick Miller, Matt Adler, Kelly Preston, Howard Hesseman, Russ Meyer, Andrew Dice Clay, Carrie Fisher, Paul Bartel | Written by Michael Barrie, Jim Mulholland | Directed by Joe Dante, Carl Gottlieb, Peter Horton, Robert K. Weiss, John Landis
One of many, many anthologies to have graced the silver screen over the years (another of which, the horror anthology Nightmares is also being released on Blu-ray by 101 Films), Amazon Women on the Moon features madcap sketches and shorts centred around the eponymous film-within-a-film, a satire of low-budget, 1950s-style sci-fi. Featuring appearances from Rosanna Arquette, Carrie Fisher, Steve Guttenberg, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sybil Danning and Ed Begley,...
One of many, many anthologies to have graced the silver screen over the years (another of which, the horror anthology Nightmares is also being released on Blu-ray by 101 Films), Amazon Women on the Moon features madcap sketches and shorts centred around the eponymous film-within-a-film, a satire of low-budget, 1950s-style sci-fi. Featuring appearances from Rosanna Arquette, Carrie Fisher, Steve Guttenberg, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sybil Danning and Ed Begley,...
- 4/3/2018
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Hugh Wilson, director of the hit big-screen comedies “Police Academy” and “The First Wives Club” and creator of the hit TV series “Wkrp In Cincinnati,” died on Tuesday at age 74, according to family members and media reports. “Wkrp in Cincinnati” ran for four seasons from 1978-82 and followed Johnny Fever and Venus Flytrap (Howard Hesseman and Tim Reid), DJs at the titular radio station as it undergoes a rocky transition from a dated easy listening station to contemporary rock under the direction of overworked station boss Andy Travis (Gary Sandy) and his bumbling crew. Wilson based the show and several...
- 1/16/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
On November 4th, the International Myeloma Foundation (Imf) presented its 11th Annual Comedy Celebration benefiting the Peter Boyle Research Fund and supporting the Black Swan Research Initiative (Bsri) at The Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.
Ray Romano performs onstage at the International Myeloma Foundation 11th Annual Comedy Celebration
Credit/Copyright: Brandon Williams/Getty Images for International Myeloma Foundation
Ten-time host Ray Romano was joined by fellow comedians Hannibal Buress, Rachel Feinstein, Nikki Glaser, Robert Klein, Marc Maron, Iliza Shlesinger, and Fred Willard, who each took the stage to perform for an unforgettable evening of comedy. Veteran comedian Rene Hicks opened the show in a big way drawing huge laughs from the crowd while also sharing her personal experience with myeloma noting the healing benefits of laughter.
Additional attendees included Patricia Heaton (The Middle), Howard Hesseman (Fresh Off the Boat), Jake Smollet (Food Network’s Smollett Eats), James Burrows (Director,...
Ray Romano performs onstage at the International Myeloma Foundation 11th Annual Comedy Celebration
Credit/Copyright: Brandon Williams/Getty Images for International Myeloma Foundation
Ten-time host Ray Romano was joined by fellow comedians Hannibal Buress, Rachel Feinstein, Nikki Glaser, Robert Klein, Marc Maron, Iliza Shlesinger, and Fred Willard, who each took the stage to perform for an unforgettable evening of comedy. Veteran comedian Rene Hicks opened the show in a big way drawing huge laughs from the crowd while also sharing her personal experience with myeloma noting the healing benefits of laughter.
Additional attendees included Patricia Heaton (The Middle), Howard Hesseman (Fresh Off the Boat), Jake Smollet (Food Network’s Smollett Eats), James Burrows (Director,...
- 11/7/2017
- Look to the Stars
Stars: Deborah Foreman, Sam J. Jones, Sean McClory, Howard Hesseman, E. G. Marshall, Penn Jillette, Teller, John O’Leary, Julius Harris, Laurie Main | Written and Directed by David Beaird
Casey Meadows (Deborah Foreman) is a young and free-spirited girl who although full of spunk and ambition – is trapped in a Californian restaurant cleaning dishes as well as trying to clean the crust off the idea of the American Dream. With seemingly no hope aside from sinking evermore deeper in to the scummy dishwater before her – Casey’s life may be on the up. One day at work, she receives a letter from a company named Brentwood Limousine Agency – the Rolls-Royce of Limousine Services – offering her a role as one of their drivers. Excited by the prospect of being part of such a prestigious organisation (and all that sick dough of course!), Casey takes no time in turning up for her first day of work.
Casey Meadows (Deborah Foreman) is a young and free-spirited girl who although full of spunk and ambition – is trapped in a Californian restaurant cleaning dishes as well as trying to clean the crust off the idea of the American Dream. With seemingly no hope aside from sinking evermore deeper in to the scummy dishwater before her – Casey’s life may be on the up. One day at work, she receives a letter from a company named Brentwood Limousine Agency – the Rolls-Royce of Limousine Services – offering her a role as one of their drivers. Excited by the prospect of being part of such a prestigious organisation (and all that sick dough of course!), Casey takes no time in turning up for her first day of work.
- 9/6/2017
- by Mondo Squallido
- Nerdly
The Bob Newhart Show premiered on CBS on September 16, 1972, starring Newhart as psychologist Dr. Robert Hartley, with Suzanne Pleshette playing his wife, Emily Hartley. It ran for six seasons, and ended on April 1, 1978, with its 142nd episode. Bill Daily, Peter Bonerz, and Marcia Wallace also starred. The CBS sitcom also featured a large recurring cast, including Jack Riley, Tom Poston, and Howard Hesseman. To commemorate The Bob Newhart Show's 45th anniversary, the Television Academy threw a celebration Tuesday night, at the Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, hosted by Conan O'Brien and featuring Newhart, himself. Check out the photos at the end of this...
- 8/10/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Silver Skies debuts on DVD, Amazon and iTunes April 4th
When Dana Jung reviewed Silver Skies here at We Are Movie Geeks, he wrote “.…. there’s no better way to spend a couple of hours than skipping down memory lane with the old friends of Silver Skies.” Read all of Dana’s review Here
And read my interview with Silver Skies director Rosemary Rodriguez Here
With humor and compassion, Silver Skies chronicles the unexpected developments that occur when a group of eccentric seniors have their lives turned upside down by the sale of their beloved apartment complex. A refreshingly original story about getting older and trying to hold tight to the American Dream, the film features a cast of much-loved screen icons: George Hamilton, Valerie Perrine, Barbara Bain, Jack McGee, Alex Rocco, Mariette Hartley, Jack Betts, and Howard Hesseman. Far from playing their usual roles, however, the actors fully inhabit...
When Dana Jung reviewed Silver Skies here at We Are Movie Geeks, he wrote “.…. there’s no better way to spend a couple of hours than skipping down memory lane with the old friends of Silver Skies.” Read all of Dana’s review Here
And read my interview with Silver Skies director Rosemary Rodriguez Here
With humor and compassion, Silver Skies chronicles the unexpected developments that occur when a group of eccentric seniors have their lives turned upside down by the sale of their beloved apartment complex. A refreshingly original story about getting older and trying to hold tight to the American Dream, the film features a cast of much-loved screen icons: George Hamilton, Valerie Perrine, Barbara Bain, Jack McGee, Alex Rocco, Mariette Hartley, Jack Betts, and Howard Hesseman. Far from playing their usual roles, however, the actors fully inhabit...
- 4/3/2017
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
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