Loni Anderson, ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ Star, Dies at 79

Loni Anderson, the beloved actress who brought intelligence and charm to her iconic role as Jennifer Marlowe on the classic TV comedy WKRP in Cincinnati, died Sunday at a Los Angeles hospital following a prolonged illness.

She was 79, passing just days before what would have been her 80th birthday on August 5th. Her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, confirmed the news to the Associated Press.

Her family described the loss in a statement, saying they were “heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.”

Anderson rose to fame playing Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, which ran from 1978 to 1982. The show centered on a struggling Ohio radio station attempting to modernize with rock music. Anderson’s character served as the station’s receptionist, combining striking looks with sharp intelligence and remarkable efficiency that often compensated for her colleagues’ shortcomings.

The performance brought Anderson significant recognition, earning her two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations during the show’s four-year run.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Anderson was the daughter of an environmental chemist and a model. She entered acting with a small role in the 1966 Steve McQueen film Nevada Smith before building her television career through guest appearances on series like S.W.A.T. and Police Woman in the 1970s.

After WKRP, Anderson appeared in the comedy series Easy Street and several television movies, including A Letter to Three Wives and White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd. She remained active in recent years, appearing in 2023’s Lifetime movie Ladies Of The 80s: A Divas Christmas alongside other television veterans.

Anderson’s personal life drew considerable media attention, particularly her relationship with actor Burt Reynolds. The couple met while filming Stroker Ace in 1983 and married in 1988, becoming frequent tabloid subjects before divorcing in 1994. Their son, Quinton Reynolds, remained a source of pride for Anderson throughout her life.

Reflecting on the relationship years later, Anderson acknowledged the challenges of maintaining privacy amid intense media scrutiny. She detailed their marriage in her 1995 autobiography My Life in High Heels, which she described as a story of survival and personal growth.

Anderson married four times in total, with her final marriage to musician Bob Flick in 2008.

Co-star Morgan Fairchild paid tribute to Anderson on social media, calling her “the sweetest, most gracious lady” and expressing devastation at the news.

Anderson is survived by her husband Bob Flick, daughter Deidra and son-in-law Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and his wife Helene, and step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.

A private family service will be held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, according to her publicist.

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.