Frank Bonner, 'WKRP in Cincinnati' and 'Saved by the Bell' Actor, Dies at 79

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Variety

By Antonio Ferme

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. From his signature white belt and shoes to his polyester suits, “plaid boy” would often come into work and be laughed at for his loud outfits. His catchphrase, “Hokay, fine,” was a response used when acknowledging decisions that he didn’t particularly like.



©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett C


Read more: https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/frank-bonner-dead-wkrp-in-cincinnati-1234999322/

[ItsjustMe]

1. Herb Tarlek

[BootinUp]

2. He sure could get into character. RIP Frank, Sir.

[turbinetree]

3. This is really sad and if you can...donate...

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/lewy-body-dementia

[FoxNewsSucks]

4. That's sad.

I really loved WKRP, definitely have to get the DVD set sometime

[customerserviceguy]

5. What an incredible talent

He always amused me.

[rsdsharp]

6. Herb Tarlek was a conglomeration of every sales slug I ever worked with in radio.

I’ve often said, WKRP was more documentary than sitcom, at least as far as the characters went.

And that tie “knot” from the late 70s still makes me grind my teeth. As I prepared to read a prayer at my 1979 wedding I looked at the minister to calm myself down, and his tie looked just like Herb’s.

[twodogsbarking]

16. I hate to generalize but

you nailed the sales slug comment. Herb reminded me of a car salesman.

[rsdsharp]

22. Not all radio sales people were Herb, but a high enough percentage where

that his portrayal was pretty realistic.

Of course, my feelings may be because I was from the on air side of the business. There was always tension between sales and the jocks. I worked for a guy who described sales and talent as eagles and buzzards. Guess which side of the business he was from.

[Warpy]

7. My dad loved that show, said he'd met all those guys at every radio station

he'd had to oversee when he worked for one of the big networks. I think Herb, with his persistent "full Cleveland" wardrobe, was his absolute favorite, he'd met so many of them.

RIP, Frank, and thanks for the laughs.

[regnaD kciN]

8. What a horrible way to go...

That's the same condition that drove Robin Williams to suicide.

[Midnight Writer]

9. I first noticed this guy in a horror movie called Equinox around 1970. He stood out even then.

A bunch of young people go to a remote cabin, and...

I think Equinox was the inspiration for Sam Raimi's Evil Dead.

[Omaha Steve]

10. I too saw Equinox in the theater on Christmas day

I have it in my DVD collection.

OS

[Mysterian]

20. OMG.......EQUINOX!

This is a great classic horror movie, IMO.

You're right....Mr. Bonner stands out.

[Grins]

11. He was so good...

…on that show. His opening lines were always terrific.

The disease that killed him, Lewy body dementia, also affected Robin Williams.

[Wingus Dingus]

12. Aw, that sucks.

[The Jungle 1]

13. The Thanksgiving turkey drop show was a great and massively funny routine.

An all time great. I try to watch it every year.

"As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."

Mr Bonner was a huge part of that show.

[twodogsbarking]

17. That episode was based on an actual event.

They were thrown from a truck in (where else) Texas. The people did say they thought turkeys could fly. Wild turkeys do fly.

[The Jungle 1]

18. I did not know that.

Wild turkeys are very smart.

[rsdsharp]

23. I think it was from WQXI in Atlanta.

The show’s creator had worked at ‘QXI. In fact, Dr. Johnny Fever was based on Skinny Bobby Harper who had worked there. He could have been based on lots of guys. Many stations had a burnt out Boss Jock on the way down.

My apologies. You are correct, it was Texas, as related to Hugh Wilson by the WQXI GM.

[twodogsbarking]

25. Writing comedy has to be fun at times.

How can it not be.

[I of the Eye]

14. I liked him

Herb Tarlek was my fashion role model growing up.

[Withywindle]

15. Oh no, RIP!

Rest in peace, you were so very funny.


WKRP has to be one of the greatest comedy shows of all time. Fantastic cast and I don't think they ever had a really bad episode, did they?

[Mysterian]

19. Mr. Bonner had a special talent for comedy

A very talented actor.

[lark]

21. Loved Herb and all the other crazies at WKRP in Cinncinati.

It was truly an awesome show, so funny. Wonder if I can find it on Netflix, I'd love to see if it still makes me LOL and think it would.

[LongtimeAZDem]

24. RIP. Another great show that could never be made today.