Frank Bonner passes away at 79

[Barbershopman]

To people of a certain age, me being one, WKRP was one of the most original, funniest shows of the late 70s and early 80s. Its concept and cast of wacky characters never failed to entertain.

One of those was Herb Tarlek, played by Frank Bonner. Herb was the sales manager of the wacky WKRP and had the unenviable job of selling advertising time on the station. Their prize client- Red Wigglers the "Cadillac of Worms". Other clients were a funeral home with a catchy jingle and toupees for balding men 555-MCHO.

One of the best lines about Herb Tarlek was him showing off his new plaid suit, complete with white belt and white dress shoes. When asked what his co-workers thought, Venus Flytrap remarked "Somewhere there is a VW Bug missing its seat covers", classic.

WKRP was a gem of a show and Frank Bonner was part of the magic. Prayers to his family, RIP Herb.

Barbershopman

 

[BlasterMaster]

WKRP in Cincinnati? Yeah, some episodes of that show were really funny. Others were really cringeworthy.

One episode was actually pretty moving. It was the one where one of their radio hosts (aka the Hippy) revealed that he went AWOL during Vietnam after seeing a bunch of American troops push Vietnamese women out of a helicopter to fall to their deaths. Thanks to Jimmy Carter's pardon of the draft dodgers and the circumstances of his going AWOL, the radio host is given a discharge (can't remember if it's honorable or dishonorable) by the military and can finally put the pain of the war behind him. Really moving episode.

 

[Oddjob0226]

Dr. Johnny Fever.