Frank Bonner, 'WKRP in Cincinnati' and 'Saved by the Bell' Actor, Dies at 79
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.
Bonners family confirmed to TMZ that the actor died as a result of complications from Lewy body dementia.
Desiree Boers-Kort, Bonners 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. Bonners 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 didnt particularly like.
©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett C
Read more: https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/frank-bonner-dead-wkrp-in-cincinnati-1234999322/
ItsjustMe
(11,253 posts)BootinUp
(47,201 posts)turbinetree
(24,726 posts)June is Alzheimers & Brain Awareness Month
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/lewy-body-dementia
FoxNewsSucks
(10,435 posts)I really loved WKRP, definitely have to get the DVD set sometime
customerserviceguy
(25,183 posts)He always amused me.
rsdsharp
(9,214 posts)Ive 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 Herbs.
twodogsbarking
(9,844 posts)you nailed the sales slug comment. Herb reminded me of a car salesman.
rsdsharp
(9,214 posts)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
(111,383 posts)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
(26,045 posts)That's the same condition that drove Robin Williams to suicide.
Midnight Writer
(21,819 posts)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
(99,780 posts)I have it in my DVD collection.
OS
Mysterian
(4,597 posts)This is a great classic horror movie, IMO.
You're right....Mr. Bonner stands out.
Grins
(7,239 posts)
on that show. His opening lines were always terrific.
The disease that killed him, Lewy body dementia, also affected Robin Williams.
Wingus Dingus
(8,059 posts)The Jungle 1
(4,552 posts)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
(9,844 posts)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
(4,552 posts)Wild turkeys are very smart.
rsdsharp
(9,214 posts)The shows 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
(9,844 posts)How can it not be.
I of the Eye
(41 posts)Herb Tarlek was my fashion role model growing up.
Withywindle
(9,988 posts)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
(4,597 posts)A very talented actor.
lark
(23,166 posts)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.