R.I.P.: Actor Frank Bonner, WKRP's Herb Tarlek

The Cast of WKRP, Bonner 2nd On Left

Frank Bonner, who played Herb Tarlek on the sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati" has died, according to TMZ. He was 79, reports FOX News.

Bonner passed away "peacefully" Wednesday amid his battle with Lewy body dementia, his family told TMZ.

As Herb on "WKRP" in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Bonner was the quintessential salesman in a gaudy plaid suit and white loafers, despite struggling as a radio station sales manager who consistently failed to reel in the big accounts.

The actor turned to directing in a few episodes of "WKRP," and later reprised the role in the early ’90s spinoff, "The New WKRP in Cincinnati." He wore both hats again in "Saved by the Bell: The New Class," playing recurring character Mr. Harrington. 

Bonner went on to direct in several of the decade’s biggest sitcoms, including "Who’s the Boss?," "Head of the Class" and "Newhart," starring comedy legend Bob Newhart.

“WKRP in Cincinnati” aired from 1978 to 1982, with Bonner starring on all four seasons as the brash and ineffectual sales manager Herb Tarlek. The rest of the cast on the ensemble sitcom included Sandy, Howard Hesseman, Gordon Jump, Loni Anderson, Tim Reid, Jan Smithers and Richard Sanders.