The Devastating Death Of Frank Bonner

Frank Bonner was born on February 28, 1942, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He grew up in the state and was a proud Arkansan. After serving in the Navy from 1961 to 1965, Bonner moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

Landing the role of Herb Tarlek was Bonner's big break. Bonner appeared in all but two of "WKRP in Cincinnati's" 90 episodes and directed six. He reprised the role of Frank Bonner in the sequel, "The New WKRP in Cincinnati," which ran from 1991 to 1993. His other major acting roles include Detective R.T. Mooney in "Sidekicks"; Father Hargis, the school headmaster in the sitcom "Just the Ten of Us"; and Mr. Harrington in "Saved by the Bell: The New Class." In all, he had 59 credited acting roles.

Bonner was also active as a TV director, beginning with his time on "WKRP in Cincinnati." Bonner directed many of the shows he acted in but also worked as a director on series like the Bigfoot sitcom "Harry and the Hendersons," "USA High," and "City Guys." 

Frank Bonner is survived by his wife of 15 years, daughters Desiree (and her wife Mona) and DeAndra (and her husband Matt), sons Matthew and Justin, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild (via The Hollywood Reporter).