For those who grew up in the ’80s, attending Millard Fillmore High School was the ultimate dream. “Head of the Class” became a staple on ABC’s lineup, enjoying a successful five-season run that offers a nostalgic glance at teenage life during that era. The series took place in an Individualized Honors Program classroom headed by Charlie Moore (played by Howard Hesseman), an aspiring actor with unconventional teaching methods that frequently clashed with the rigid principal, Dr. Harold Samuels (played by William G. Schilling).

Moore instructed his students in social studies and history, aiming to equip them for both academic success and life beyond school. Over time, the student body evolved, and eventually, Charlie was replaced by Billy MacGregor (played by Billy Connolly) in their senior year — a change often criticized as detrimental to the show. Ultimately, the series concluded with the students’ graduation and the demolition of the school.

Over three decades have passed since the imaginary doors of Millard Fillmore High closed. While most actors from the student body and faculty remain alive, two key cast members have died since the show last aired in 1991. Here are the cast members from “Head of the Class” who have since passed away.

Howard Hesseman was no stranger to sitcoms before “Head of the Class.” He initially found fame as the zany DJ Johnny Fever on “WKRP in Cincinnati,” which aired from 1978 to 1982. Interestingly, Hesseman’s very first sitcom stint was on “The Andy Griffith Show” as a character named Harry, and later as a counter boy. Early in his career, he performed under the stage name Don Sturdy, delving into improv with The Committee troupe during the 1960s and 1970s in Los Angeles. They even made appearances on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” among other shows.

By the time “WKRP” premiered, Hesseman had already accrued a notable list of guest roles, but his performance in 1971’s “Billy Jack” as Howard Johnson brought him into the limelight. His television breakthrough came with the role of Dr. Robert Williams on “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” two years before “WKRP” made its debut in 1978. Between his stints as Johnny Fever and heading “Head of the Class,” he played Sam Royer on “One Day at a Time” for a couple of seasons. Hesseman’s remarkable filmography also includes notable roles in “Private Lessons,” “This is Spinal Tap,” “Clue,” “About Schmidt,” and “Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment.”

Hesseman acted until 2018. He died at the age of 81 on January 29, 2022, from complications related to colon surgery he underwent in mid-2021.

Before he earned fame as Principal Samuels, William G. Schilling was considered a quintessential “that guy” actor. Starting his acting career in 1980, he featured in numerous programs such as “Archie Bunker’s Place,” “Family Ties,” “Alice,” and “Diff’rent Strokes” during the early part of the decade. He made an appearance on “M*A*S*H” in the episode titled “Run for the Money” and had minor roles in films like “Testament” and “King of Comedy.”

Schilling’s first major role came when he played Richard the orderly in five episodes of NBC’s short-lived sitcom, “E/R.” Other small but impactful roles in movies like “Ruthless People” directly preceded him landing his “Head of the Class” gig, and parts in “In the Line of Fire,” “Space Jam,” and “Treme” followed. Depending on what the part called for, Schilling could cut a figure of humor or dignity in each role he brought to the screen. With a career that spanned four decades under his belt, the actor died on February 28, 2019, at the age of 79.