Loni Anderson, star of ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’, dies aged 79

Los Angeles: Loni Anderson, best known for her role as the savvy and glamorous receptionist Jennifer Marlowe in the hit American sitcom 'WKRP in Cincinnati', has died at the age of 79, just days shy of her 80th birthday.

The actress passed away on Sunday at a hospital in Los Angeles following a prolonged illness, her longtime publicist Cheryl J. Kagan confirmed.

In a statement, her family said: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.”

Anderson shot to fame in WKRP in Cincinnati, which aired from 1978 to 1982. The show followed the fortunes of a struggling Ohio radio station attempting to reinvent itself with a rock music format. Anderson’s character, Jennifer Marlowe, was known for her beauty, quick wit and competence—often serving as the glue that held the chaotic workplace together.

Her performance earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nods.

Away from television, Anderson appeared on the big screen alongside Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy Stroker Ace. The pair later married and became a regular feature in the tabloids throughout the 1980s and early 90s before divorcing in 1994. Despite their turbulent relationship, Anderson fondly recalled their decision to adopt son Quinton as “the best decision that we ever made in our entire relationship.”

Marriage and relationship

Reflecting on their relationship during a 2021 appearance at Reynolds’ Hollywood grave site, Anderson said: “It was so, oh, gosh, tabloidy. We were just a spectacle all the time. And it was hard to have a relationship in that atmosphere. And somehow, we did it through many ups and downs.”

She recounted the challenges of their marriage in her 1995 autobiography, My Life in High Heels, which she described as “the growth of a woman, a woman who survives”. Promoting the book at the time, she said: “You may not even tell the nicest things about yourself, because you’re telling the truth.”

Anderson was born on 5 August 1945 in St Paul, Minnesota. Her father was an environmental chemist, and her mother worked as a model. She made her screen debut with a minor role in the 1966 film Nevada Smith starring Steve McQueen, and found early success on television with guest roles in S.W.A.T. and Police Woman during the 1970s.

Following her breakout success in WKRP, Anderson starred in the short-lived sitcom Easy Street, and featured in numerous television movies, including A Letter to Three Wives and White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd.

In 2023, she returned to screens in the Lifetime Christmas special Ladies of the 80s: A Divas Christmas, appearing alongside Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild and Nicollette Sheridan.

Reacting to the news of her passing, Fairchild wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “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, whom she married in 2008, 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, her publicist confirmed.