wkrp cast member dies wkrp cast member dies

Frank Bonner, who played Herb Tarlek on 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' dies at 79 Frank Bonner, who played a brash ad salesman with an affection for polyester plaid suits on the hit TV comedy "WKRP in Cincinnati," has died at 79. Bonner passed away peacefully Wednesday amid a battle with Lewy body dementia, his family told TMZ. The last episode of "WKRP in Cincinnati" aired 40 years ago this week on April 21, 1982. "I Love Lucy" premiered on October 15, 1951. The film featured Bye Bye Birdie star and former Elvis lover, the beautiful: Ann-Margret. WKRP in Cincinnati cast list, including photos of the actors when available. Sadly, Howard passed away from complications of colon surgery on January 29, 2022, at the age of 81. [34][35] Ellis recorded the song as a demonstration for Wilson, and as he had not yet written lyrics for it, Ellis mumbled nonsense words. So iconic, his character inspired Tim Meadows to create Leon Phelps for the, Tim Reid began acting in 1974 and his big break was, His next television mainstay was in the 90s show. One of his final gigs was in the ninth and final season ofSeinfeld, as George Costanzas boss at a playground equipment company over two episodes. , as George Costanzas boss at a playground equipment company over two episodes. And Sanders brilliantly narrates the entire thing. Did you have a favorite character from WKRP? He was 81. In between the two versions of the series, Bonner starred as Father Robert Hargis in theGrowing Painsspinoff seriesJust the Ten of Us. [19] Coincidentally, Harper had previously worked at Cincinnati AM Top 40 powerhouse WSAI in 1964, before moving to 11 other stations, including seven in Atlanta. And the fact that it wasnt entirely fiction; Hugh Wilson said he based the plot on a similar promotion spearheaded by a station in Dallas where they threw turkeys out of the back of a truck that shockingly went awry. This story has been shared 136,778 times. Let's learn about Rawhide and how each of the main cast members died ERIC FLEMING Eric Fleming was born as Edward Heddy Jr. on the Fourth of July, 1925, in Santa Paula, California. 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. R.I.P. His next television mainstay was in the 90s show Sister, Sister starring as Tia and Tamara Mowrys onscreen father. His final acting role was in 2012 when he played "R.L. Of the station's numerous cast members, Nessman's constant bungling, baseless pride and insistence on keeping his full-service trappings on the rock-oriented station generally poses the biggest obstacle to the station's success. LOS ANGELES Frank Bonner, who played a brash salesman with an affection for polyester plaid suits on the TV comedy "WKRP in Cincinnati,"has died. Gary Sandy as Andy TravisGordon Jump as Arthur Carlson Loni Anderson as Jennifer Marlowe Howard Hesseman as Dr. Johnny Fever Richard Sanders as Les Ness. Despite its short run, the show was nominated for two Emmy Awards (via The Television Academy). The station's new program director, Andy Travis, tries to turn around struggling radio station WKRP by switching its format from dated easy-listening music to rock and roll, despite the well-meaning efforts of the mostly incompetent staff: bumbling station manager Arthur Carlson, greasy sales manager Herb Tarlek and clueless news director Les Nessman. She told Newsweekthat she never came out of retirement after their daughter, Molly, grew into adulthood, choosing to continue to channel her energy toward family. before lending his voice to InHumanoids. Its a pretty bad but fun Ghoulies or Gremlins attempt if you havent seen it. Starting in the middle of the second season, CBS repeatedly moved the show around its schedule, contributing to lower ratings and its eventual cancellation. We last saw her perform in 1987s comedy Mr. Nice Guy as after which she retired from acting. Frank Bonner, who played the brash salesman with an affection for polyester plaid suits on the hit TV comedy "WKRP in Cincinnati," has died at his home in Laguna . Before his death from pulmonary fibrosis, he appeared in dozens of popular classic TV shows. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Her acting career bloomed in the 1974 film. 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.. Photo by George Rose/Getty Images To find out what I have written on any TV topic, use the search box directly below. 'Warm Bodies': This Is Teresa Palmer Today. I appreciated that. After WKRP in Cincinnati went off the air in 1982, the actor stayed on television, showing up on Murder, She Wrote, Whos The Boss?, Designing Women, and The Fugitive. Andy is played by television actor Gary Sandy, who had amassed numerous made-for-TV movie credits and bit parts in television dramas and sitcoms before being cast into the role he would be most known for. Today were heading back to the station to see what the staff got into after the videotape filled up. ", He did prefer the behind-the-camera (work), and he thoroughly enjoyed helping people get to where he needed them to be for the scenes, Boers-Kort said Thursday. Though he had a successful career on screen and stage, Sandy feels as though he was typecast in his role as Andy in "WKRP in Cincinnati." Howard Hesseman, Dr. Johnny Fever on 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' Dies at 81 The two-time Emmy nominee and improv veteran also played teacher Charlie Moore on 'Head of the Class.' By Mike Barnes. Cast members of the television program "WKRP in Cincinnati" are Frank Bonner, back row left to right, Gordon Jump; Richard Sanders, middle row left to right, Gary Sandy, Jan Smithers, Tim Reid . Some scenes were shortened or cut entirely,[44] but some deleted scenes that had not been included in the original broadcast were added. Initially receiving poor ratings, WKRP was put on hiatus after only eight episodes, even though they included some of the most famous of the series, including "Turkeys Away." Said Parent, Every #radio sales department has someone like Herb Tarlek (only with nicer suits.) Thanks for contacting us. ABOUT THE PALEY CENTER: In an er. Best Picture Nominee Triangle of Sadness Is Now Streaming on Hulu, Stream It Or Skip It: 'Gulmohar' on Hulu, a Hindi Family-Ties Drama Marking the Return of Sharmila Tagore, Steven Spielberg Broke Down in Tears Seeing Paul Dano and Michelle Williams as His Parents in 'The Fabelmans', Is Brendan Frasers The Whale Based on a True Story? [26][27][28] In 2008, Cincinnati television station WBQC-LD promoted its conversion to digital broadcasting by rebranding itself "WKRP-TV". It peaked at 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1981[37] and at 29 on the Adult Contemporary chart in 1982.[38]. CNN The actor Frank Bonner, best known for his role as an overconfident sales manager in the TV sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati," died Wednesday in California, his daughter Desiree Boers-Kort. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dead at 61 after brain aneurysm, Coley Laffoon honors late ex-wife Anne Heche in birthday post to son, Forensic expert doubts homicide claims from Aaron Carters mother, Jazz legend dead: Grammy-winning visionary composer was 89, wrote SiriusXM radio host Michael Des Barres, Said singer and CBC broadcaster Julie Nesrallah, 'Law & Order' star buys 3 NYC condos amid 'zaddy' boom, Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, What's next for Buster Murdaugh after dad's murder conviction, life sentence, Sick trolls leak gruesome Maggie Murdaugh autopsy photo after it was accidentally shown on livestream, Murdaugh son collapsed outside court after sitting stone-faced through dad's 6-week murder trial: source, Madonna watches new boyfriend Joshua Poppers fight in New York City, How Ariana Madix discovered Tom Sandoval was cheating on her with Raquel Leviss, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. And probably the biggest reason why most people, men in particular, tuned in. The remaining cast members who brought us the great series are Gary Sandy, Loni Anderson, Richard Sanders, Tim Reid, and Jan Smithers. Years after their 1994 divorce,Reynolds told Peoplethat he regretted the marriage as well as the decision to marry an actor. WKRP In Cincinnati was the hilarious show about the WKRP radio station and its memorable cast of characters. Bald, bespectacled, and grossly incompetent might be several adjectives used to describe Richard Sanders' character Les Nessman. Dr. Johnny Fever is a heavily caffeinated anti-disco DJ who we all wanted to be. Andy Travis is the new program director and turns the station from elevator music to rock with his feathered hair Andy was handsome and wholesome, a sharpshooter who forms quite the bond with his staff. She also enjoys traveling, specifically to India. 'WKRP in Cincinnati' cast (clockwise from top left): Richard Sanders, Gordon Jump, Tim Reid, Gary Sandy, Jan Smithers, Howard Hesseman, Loni Anderson, and Frank Bonner | CBS via Getty Images The comedy followed a group of employees at a Cincinnati radio station as they attempted to boost WKRP's ratings and play more rock hits. However shes savvy, and later on, we see how much more competent she is than Nessman. It ran on CBS until 1957. [21], In the show, WKRP's offices and studios are in the Osgood R. Flimm Building, an art deco office building. He was 79. He had been diagnosed about three years ago with the disease that leads to worsening mental and physical complications. 5,414, This story has been shared 4,735 times. Though the actors in the show are now much older, there are still a core group of performers from"WKRP in Cincinnati"who are still alive and kicking today. | "I'm deeply saddened to let you know that our beloved Frank Bonner passed away today at age 79," his daughter Desiree Boers-Kort shared with a WKRP Facebook group. He was 79.He also directed episodes of 'Family Ties,' 'Who's the Boss?,' 'Just the Ten of Us' and 'City Guys' and will be sadly missed. This is why you may remember his Herb on crutches for some of Season 2. The last time she seen at an event was in 2014 .When she attended a WKRP in Cincinnati cast reunion. Y&R Report (April 14, 2018): The Latest on The You Whatever happened to Whitey (Stanley Fafara) of Le A Portrait of Pam Dawber and Mark Harmon, Bobby Buntrock: The tragic death of Hazel's Harold. Tim Parent, news director at Calgary, Canadas 660 News, concluded that WKRP was was a documentary, not a sitcom though he couldnt say the same for Tarleks attire. Bonner died Wednesday due to complications from Lewy body dementia, according to numerous media . [19] In 1997, Bobby Harper told WSB's Condace Pressley, "He went on record as pointing out which ones, including myself, that he based the characters on. And Loni was quite brilliant in the role, constantly deflecting calls for Carlson. WKRP in Cincinnati aired from 1978-1982 and was set in a lagging Ohio radio station trying to reinvent itself with rock. The character of Bailey Quarters was based on creator Hugh Wilsons wife. He appeared in various television sitcoms including "Who's the Boss?," "Designing Women," and "GrowingPains," and had regular roles in the shows "Berrenger's" and "Spencer" (per IMDb). The radio station sitcom ran for four seasons from 1978 to 1982. Today, hes 78 years old and also founded the Legacy Media Institute, a non-profit organization that seeks to attract young people to film. The cast of WKRP made this one of the most compelling sitcoms of the 70s and 80s. They were married from 1986 to 1995. A previously unseen communal office area ("the bullpen") was added to accommodate scenes with the entire cast. The actor retired from acting in the late 1980s so that she could be a full-time mother to the daughter she shares with Brolin. Howard Hesseman, enshrined in pop culture history for his role as radio disc jockey Dr. Johnny Fever on CBS sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati," has died at 81.. Howard Hessemans first gig was his two episode on, from 1986 to 1990. WKRP in Cincinnati Bailey Quarters ( Jan Smithers) and Andy Travis ( Gary Sandy) Les Nessman ( Richard Sanders) and Dr. Johnny Fever ( Howard Hesseman) in the studio Fever flirts with Jennifer Marlowe ( Loni Anderson) Along with reprising his Carlson in The New WKRP, he also played Ed Malone in the wildly popularGrowing Pains. Bailey Quarters was originally in charge of billing and station traffic, the young ingenue of the station if you will. As one of only two main female characters in the show, Anderson's portrayal of Jennifer is almost singlehandedly able to balance the sometimes-piggish behavior of some of her male coworkers. More than 40 years after "WKRP in Cincinnati" came to an end, we at Outsider are checking to see which actors are still alive from the classic TV series cast.. [48][49][50] This release presented the second-season episode "Filthy Pictures" and the third-season episode "Dr. Fever and Mr. | I found it very cool to read the biographies if each of the cast. For a brief time in 2001, the actor appeared in the daytime soap "The Young and the Restless.". Dutton" in the film Gabe the Cupid Dog. Jan Smithers has one child, Molly Elizabeth Brolin, with actor James Brolin. had planned to include all of the copyrighted music that originally aired on the show,[46] and obtained the rights to include what they called "the vast majority of the music", but explained, "In a few cases, it was simply impossible to get the rights. The songs were often tied into episode plots, and some pieces of music were even used as running gags. Today, hes 78 years old and also founded the Legacy Media Institute, a non-profit organization that seeks to attract young people to film. In addition to acting in other 80s shows like Fantasy Island, Bonner also directed episodes of WKRP in Cincinnati, Family Ties, Whos the Boss?, and Saved by the Bell: The New Class. The Associated Press Frank Bonner, who played a brash salesman with an affection for polyester plaid suits on the TV comedy "WKRP in Cincinnati," has died. A fifth child preceded him in death, Boers-Kort said. Loni Anderson plays the blonde bombshell role in a way that arguably reverses the blonde stereotypes of the time, developing a character that is as intelligent as much as she is striking. Decorating the heavens with plaid suits at that great radio station in the sky.. Rounding out the cast are "bombshell" receptionist Jennifer Marlowe and junior employee Bailey Quarters. But she didnt just have looks, she was incredibly friendly and good-hearted. Fans said goodbye to Gordon Jump, who played the role of Arthur Carlson, in 2003 (via The New York Times ), while two other main cast members - Frank Bonner, who played Herb Tarlek, and Howard. However, 40 years have passed since then, and several WKRP actors are no longer with us. Today hes 77 years old, and still acting but mainly stage work and, coincidentally, hes also doing some radio dramas. What to Know About 'The Bachelor' Season 27, Episode 6 Filming Location, Mark Wahlbergs "Checkered Racist Past" Has Fans Questioning Why He Presented 'Everything, Everywhere, All at Once' Cast With SAG Award, 'Bon Jovi: Live In New York' Sees Band At The Peak Of Their Powers, Stream It Or Skip It: 'Daisy Jones & The Six on Prime Video, About The Popular Explosion and Personal Implosion Of A Fictional '70s Rock Band, 'The Weeknd: Live At Sofi Stadium' Finds The Singer Alone At Center Stage, Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song Charts Complicated Route From Creation to Mass Acceptance, Disney100 Funko Pops Are Here, And They're Adorable, Stream It Or Skip It: Lyle Lyle Crocodile on Netflix, an Extremely Silly Musical About a Singing Reptile, Stream It Or Skip It: Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank on Prime Video, the Animated Kid-Friendly Version of 'Blazing Saddles' You Didn't Know You Didn't Need, Stream It Or Skip It: True Spirit on Netflix, A Movie Based On The True Story of a Teen's Global Sailing Voyage, How to Stream and Buy the 'Daisy Jones & The Six' 'Aurora' Album Now, 'Daisy Jones & The Six Episode 3 Recap: "Someone Saved My Life Tonight", Shop Amazon's 'Daisy Jones & The Six' Store To Get Looks From The Show, 'Daisy Jones & The Six' Episode 2 Recap: "I'll Take You There", 'Sex/Life' Season 2's 11 Raunchiest Moments, 11 Best New Shows on Netflix: March 2023's Top Upcoming Series to Watch, 'Sex/Life' Season 2 Said Pregnant Women Can Have Sex With Adam Demos, Too, Sex/Life Season 2s Wildest Scene is a Guy Pumping Up His New Prosthetic Penis. Meet Emily Swallow, Stream It or Skip It: 'The Mandalorian' Season 3 on Disney+, Where Pedro Pascal Is Still Daddy (But in a Helmet), New Shows & Movies To Watch: Prime Video's 'Daisy Jones & The Six' + More, 'The Last of Us Part I' Sale: Take 29% Off The Game That Inspired The Show, 'The Last of Us' Episode 7 Recap: Mallrats, Yes, Ellie Has Always Been Gay in 'The Last of Us', Watch 'Outer Banks' Star Chase Stokes Confirm He's Dating Kelsea Ballerini on 'Today Show', 'Outer Banks' Is a Perfect Show: Fight Me, A Monkey Peed in Chase Stokes's Eye While Filming 'Outer Banks', 'Outer Banks' Season 3: That Kiss Between Jonathan Daviss and Carlacia Grant Wasn't in the Original Script, 'The View': Alyssa Farah Griffin Calls King Charles "Petty and Cringey" for Evicting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle From Frogmore Cottage, 'The View': Sunny Hostin Rips Activist Matt Schlapp Amidst Sexual Assault Allegations, 'The View': Sunny Hostin and Whoopi Goldberg Reject Bill Maher's Definition of "Woke", Joy Behar Denies Making Off-Color Joke About Sara Haines' Dead Dog on 'The View': "I Did Not Say That", Drew Barrymore Reveals Why She Wears Granny Panties: "Nothing Going up the Crack", Rebel Wilson Tells Drew Barrymore About Her "Wild" Strip Club Visit with 'Bridesmaids' Cast: "We Were All Getting Lap Dances", Drew Barrymore Gives Fans a Look Into Her Surprisingly Messy Home in Candid Instagram Video, Drew Barrymore Struggles During Bungee Workout on 'The Drew Barrymore Show': "I Cant Believe I Used to Be a Charlies Angel". Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber were married on March 21, 1987 and this year they will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. 1,748, This story has been shared 1,548 times. It looked so promising for Max Baer, Jr. After all, he starred on one of the most popular shows on American television. Hesseman died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, in Los Angeles due to complications from colon surgery, his manager Robbie Kass said Sunday. After the end of "WKRP in Cincinnati," Anderson stayed active as an actor and appeared in dozens of television shows and movies, including regular roles in "Nurses," "Easy Street," and "Partners in Crime." From 1986 to 1995, she was married to actor James Brolin and the two have one daughter together named Molly Elizabeth. Thankfully Gordon himself was very qualified for his job. But are any of the WKRP cast still alive today? The opening theme, a soft rock/pop number called "WKRP in Cincinnati Main Theme," was composed by Tom Wells, with lyrics by series creator Hugh Wilson, and was performed by Steve Carlisle. The WKRP In Cincinnati cast provided endless laughs back in the day. A personal favorite is 1994's Pulp Fiction, where he and Sam Jackson were the best duo of the 90s.Name a better one in the comments if you got it. Send me your questions and comments about old and current American, British and Canadian television shows and I will be happy to reply. WKRP was videotaped in Hollywood before a live studio audience at KTLA's Goldenwest Videotape Division, later moving to the CBS Studio Center lot in Studio City. Bailey Quarters was the brunette on WKRP. Frank Bonner, who played a brash salesman with an affection for polyester plaid suits on the TV comedy "WKRP in Cincinnati," has died, Wednesday, June 16, 2021. He was 79 and passed away "peacefully" amid a battle with Lewy body dementia. We last saw Sanders act in 2006 in the comedy Expiration Date. Bonner was 79. In addition, Sandy is an accomplished theatre actor, with credits that include "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "Lone Star Love," and Arsenic and Old Lace" (via Broadway World). joining the CBS series as a main cast member for its ninth and final season. Although she still has a great relationship with daughter Molly! Though her character is sometimes overshadowed by her on-screen counterpart Jennifer (played by Loni Anderson), the character's battles with her male coworkers elevated her status among fans. Which cast members of the hit CBS sitcom are still alive today? He was 79. [45] Shout! 1 min read Howard Hesseman, the actor best known for playing DJ Dr. Johnny Fever in "WKRP in. [43] When a Season 1 set was finally released, much of the music was again replaced and the soundalike vocal dubs were present. June 18, 2021 11:14 AM PT. She began dating Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds while she was on WKRP. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Loni Anderson began acting in 1966, but didnt really hit her stride until the late 70s, which included five episodes of The Love Boat. By Kelli Dugan, Cox Media Group National Content Desk June 17, 2021 at 3:30 pm CDT. | I first met Howard Hesseman at a cast meeting before we shot the pilot for "WKRP in . Thats genius. Frank Bonner, who played a brash salesman with an affection for polyester plaid suits on the TV comedy "WKRP in Cincinnati," has died. Howard Hesseman, the actor best known for playing DJ Dr. Johnny Fever in "WKRP in Cincinnati," has died, his manager of 35 years, Robbie Kass of Kass Management, confirms. Herb Tarlek was the vain sales manager with the tackiest suits in Cincinnati, often referred to as the Little Guy to Arthur Carlsons Big Guy. Frank Bonner got his start in the 1970s cult classic, From 1988 to 1990, Bonner played the headmaster of the fictional St. Augustines Academy on the TV show, Frank didnt just act on WKRP, he also directed for the first time, and did six episodes in total. During the show's four-season run on CBS, fans followed the antics of a low-rated morning radio station that's on-air personalities oftentimes butt heads with station management. Maybe one besides Turkeys Away? Today were heading back to the station to see what the staff got into after the videotape filled up. WKRP was given a new timeslot, one of the best on the network, following M*A*S*H. This allowed creator Hugh Wilson to move away from the farcical radio-based stories that CBS wanted and to start telling stories that, while not necessarily dramatic, were more low-key and character-based. Originally broadcast September 18, 1978. They starred in the 1983 comedy. Loni Anderson began acting in 1966, but didnt really hit her stride until the late 70s, which included five episodes of, I was surprised that her next TV show attempt, 1984s, alongside Wonder Woman herself, Lynda Carter, didnt last past one season (for more on lovely Lynda, check out our, In 1993, Anderson was added to the third season of the popular sitcom, Aside from her acting career, Anderson became known for her colorful personal life, particularly her marriage to actor Burt Reynolds. Loni Anderson, who played the stations empowered receptionist Jennifer, said she was heartbroken over his death. Anderson's most recent credits include a small part in the TV series "Baby Daddy" in 2016, a role in the 2017 TV movie "Love You More," and a recurring role as Frances in the TV series "My Sister Is So Gay" from 2016 to 2020 (via IMDb). Smithers, who also had a successful career as a model before "WKRP in Cincinnati" (via TV Guide), had racked up some solid screen time in shows throughout the 1970s that included "Starsky and Hutch" and "Love Story." I have many many friends here who want this too:(. One of WKRP in Cincinnatis most memorable characters is Dr. Johnny Fever. Arthur Carlson, aka the Big Guy, is the stammering awkward general manager whose main qualification is that his overbearing mother is WKRPs owner. After starring on WKRP in Cincinnati as Andy, Sandy continued to appear in shows like L.A. Law, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Young and the Restless, and Murder, She Wrote. Creator Hugh Wilson based the WKRP characters on members of his family. Partway through the second season, the show was moved back to its original earlier time. to all 105 episodes of the late 90s show, Venus Flytrap, whose real name was Gordon Sims back when he was a teacher, instead of the funky evening DJ. Smithers started her career as a model, featured on the cover of Newsweek Magazine in 1966. Jump sadly died in 2003 at the age of 71 from pulmonary fibrosis, but his footprint on television history is quite significant. Bonner died Wednesday from. Photos 63 Known for WKRP in Cincinnati 8.0 TV Series Dr. Johnny Fever Ghost of Christmas Future 1978-1982 89 eps Head of the Class 6.6 TV Series Charlie Moore 1986-1990 92 eps Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment 5.7 Pete Lassard 1985 Flight of the Navigator 6.9 Dr. Louis Faraday 1986 Credits Edit Actor153 Writer5 Director2 Soundtrack2 He died tragically, however, over 40 years ago, at the age of 21, The c Born June 25, 1945, Kristin Harmon Nelson is 65 years old now. She also reprised her role as Jennifer in "The New WKRP in Cincinnati" from 1991 to 1993. , she says, I learned to meditate there, and I changed a great deal. Smithers has traveled there for 16 consecutive years, becoming an advocate for wellness and spirituality. Meet Cleo Anthony, Netflix's 'Money Shot' Documentary Trailer Shines A Harsh Light On Pornhub, The "Most Trafficked Website In The World", 'The Skinny Shot' on Hulu Is An Ozempic "Documentary" That Plays More Like A Commercial, Where Is Estonia Located? His friend and former co-star Gary Sandy confirmed the news on Facebook. [11], While Andy Travis received his name and some personality elements from a cousin of creator Hugh Wilson,[15] he was based primarily on innovative program director Mikel Herrington,[16] who also was the inspiration for the character Jeff Dugan in the 1978 film FM, written by Ezra Sacks, who had worked at KMET. Very sad news for me. Reid never slowed down. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Reid continued to appear on camera, playing key roles in the sitcom "Sister, Sister" and 1990's TV miniseries adaptation of "It."