Herb Tarlek Has Died

[sfpcc]

Actor Frank Bonner, who played WKRP's Sales Manager Herb Tarlek, has died at the age of 79.

[Honeyman]

Loved that show.....as everybody on the board must have.

[Honeyman]

Fun fact, the closing theme song of WKRP was written by studio musicians. A version was recorded for the producers to hear what the song would be like, but it had gibberish for lyrics because they lyrics weren't written yet. The producers liked the song so they left it as it was.

https://youtu.be/FhAfXTzR2rQ

[moldyoldie]

In a frivolous moment I'd address the GMs I worked under as Big Guy. Once in a while they'd retort by calling me Herb.

RIP

[sfpcc]

One of my favorite WKRP quotes is when Herb explained where he bought his loud plaid suits:

" You can't find stuff like this in stores anymore. I have to go to a Golf Pro Shop in Kentucky."

I also liked it when we found out he was raffling off his paycheck, (I never heard of anyone doing that.)

[Musicrewired]

I once worked with a sales person who must have taken tips from Bonner's character. I'm sure I saw him in the office in plaid pants a time or two. I also recall a denim suit.

That closing theme, with its' nonsense lyrics, was a great way to wrap up an episode. That song should've been extended into a single like the opening theme was. I'd looked in vain for any sign of it back then.

There's still time for another WKRP reunion appearance. From a quick check, only Gordon and Frank have passed. If they include guest stars, M.G. Kelly, who was on one episode, can moderate the event.

[FredLeonard]

We have also lost...
Carol Bruce (Mother Carlson)
Allyn Ann McLerie (Carmen Carlson)
Ian Wolfe (Hirsch)
Tawny Kitaen (Mona Loveland)

[Musicrewired]

In the cases of Bruce and Wolfe, they would have been 101 and 124 now, so it's not surprising. McLerie would have been 94. Bill Dial, a series producer who also played Buckey Dornster, has also passed on, as has Hugh Wilson, series creator. They were 64 and 74, respectively, when they died in 2008 and 2018.

Jump would have been 89, and Bonner was 79, both ages that people reach more often these days. The rest of the main cast is between 72 and 81.

Kitaen was in the New WKRP, which partially counts, but does anyone talk with French Stewart or Mykelti Williamson about their time on the show? The show wasn't popular enough to go through the music rights hassle the original series got for a DVD release, so it's seen now only online in places such as YouTube.

[sfpcc1]

Kitaen was in the New WKRP, which partially counts, but does anyone talk with French Stewart or Mykelti Williamson about their time on the show? The show wasn't popular enough to go through the music rights hassle the original series got for a DVD release, so it's seen now only online in places such as YouTube.
[/quote]

I heard French Stewart Mention that he was on it in a somewhat dismissive way. I think he was on the second season and I bailed after around nine or ten episodes. It was not a good show, (and I have enjoyed a lot sitcoms that many would consider not that great.)

The original plan was to combine the Old and New WKRP into one syndication package. It didn't happen

[paul8539]

What frequency was WKRP supposed to be on?

[sfpcc1]

What frequency was WKRP supposed to be on?
[/quote]
1500 AM

[paul8539]

And Johnny Fever also died a short while ago. Who is left from WKRP?

[Realist]

And Johnny Fever also died a short while ago. Who is left from WKRP?

Gary Sandy (Andy Travis)
Loni Anderson (Jennifer Marlowe)
Tim Reid (Venus Flytrap)
Richard Sanders (Les Nessman)
Jan Smithers (Bailey Quarters)