Loni Anderson, best known for her role as the savvy receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the classic TV comedy ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ has passed away at the age of 79.
Anderson died on Sunday in a Los Angeles hospital following a prolonged illness, as confirmed by her long-time publicist Cheryl J. Kagan.
In a heartfelt statement, Anderson’s family expressed their sorrow: ‘We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.’
‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ aired from 1978 to 1982, depicting the challenges of a struggling Ohio radio station trying to revive its fortunes by embracing rock music.
The cast featured notable actors including Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner, and Jan Smithers, but it was Anderson’s portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe that became iconic.
Her character was characterized by her beauty and sharp intellect, effectively managing the station by deftly handling unwelcome calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson.
Anderson’s performance earned her two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations, solidifying her status as a talented actress.
In addition to her small-screen successes, Anderson appeared in the 1983 film ‘Stroker Ace,’ where she starred alongside Burt Reynolds.
Their high-profile marriage made them fixtures in the tabloids throughout the 1980s, and they navigated a tumultuous relationship that ended in a highly publicized breakup in 1994.
Reflecting on their son Quinton, she noted, ‘He was the best decision that we ever made in our entire relationship,’ during a tribute at Reynolds’ Hollywood grave site in 2021.
In her 1995 autobiography, ‘My Life in High Heels,’ Anderson detailed her journey and the complexities of their relationship.
‘I think if you’re going to write about yourself, you have to do it warts and all,’ she told the Associated Press, emphasizing the importance of an honest portrayal.
Anderson had been married four times, with her latest union to Bob Flick in 2008.
Born on August 5, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Anderson started her acting career with a minor role in the 1966 film ‘Nevada Smith.’
She appeared in various TV series in the 1970s, including guest roles on ‘S.W.A.T.’ and ‘Police Woman,’ before her breakout role on ‘WKRP.’
After the show ended, Anderson starred in the short-lived series ‘Easy Street’ and appeared in several made-for-TV movies, including ‘A Letter to Three Wives’ and ‘White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd.’
In 2023, she co-starred in Lifetime’s ‘Ladies Of The 80s: A Divas Christmas,’ sharing the screen with stars like Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild, and Nicollette Sheridan.
Morgan Fairchild expressed her condolences on X, stating, ‘I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of the wonderful Loni Anderson! The sweetest, most gracious lady! I’m just devastated to hear this.’
Anderson is survived by her husband Bob Flick, daughter Deidra, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, along with grandchildren and stepfamily.
A private family service is planned at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, as announced by Kagan.
image source from：spectrumnews1
