Frank Bonner
Television Actor and Director · Entertainment - Film & Television
WKRP in Cincinnati / MTM Enterprises
Era
Modern Era - circa 1990s-2000s
Item Type
Index Card
Condition
Excellent/Near Mint; paper is bright with no visible yellowing, ink is bold with minimal fading.
Rarity
Common; Bonner was known as a prolific and gracious signer for fans via mail and conventions.
Overall Assessment
A classic, solid example of a beloved character actor's signature. Ideal for a 70s/80s sitcom collection.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic with high confidence (85%+)
Signature Style
Cursive script with a distinct vertical lean and a sharp, elongated 'F' and 'B'. Professional and practiced flow.
Signature Characteristics
Strong fluid movement, consistent pen pressure, 45-degree upward slant, and a distinctive separation between given and surname.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip marker (Sharpie-style) on white cardstock
Item Description
A standard 3x5 or 4x6 white unlined index card, a common medium for 'through-the-mail' (TTM) autograph seekers.
Estimated Value
$25.00 - $50.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches verified examples from 'The New WKRP' era and fan-mail returns from the early 2000s.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'k' in Frank which often looks like a checkmark and the long tail on the final 'r' in Bonner.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA (Basic Certification)
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink absorption and stroke speed suggest a natural hand-signed autograph.
Provenance Notes
Likely obtained through a mail-in request or at a medium-sized fan convention during the 1990s-2010s.
Historical Context
Bonner is iconic for his portrayal of Herb Tarlek on 'WKRP in Cincinnati', a staple of late 70s/early 80s sitcom history.
Market Trends
Stable; value saw a slight uptick following his passing in 2021 but has settled into a niche collector market.
Investment Potential
Low; primarily a nostalgia-driven item for fans of classic television rather than a high-growth asset.
Similar Autographs
Howard Hesseman, Loni Anderson, Gary Sandy (WKRP Co-stars)
Display & Preservation
Keep away from direct UV light to prevent Sharpie fading; store in an acid-free PVC-free top loader.
Interesting Facts
Bonner often included his character name 'Herb' or 'Herb Tarlek' in inscriptions for fans, making plain signatures like this slightly less common but still desirable.