Loni Anderson, Beloved WKRP in Cincinnati Star and Emmy-Nominated Actress, Dies at 79

The glamorous and witty icon of late-‘70s television, best known for her trailblazing role as Jennifer Marlowe, passed away surrounded by family just two days before her 80th birthday.

Loni Anderson, Emmy-Nominated Star of WKRP in Cincinnati, Dies at 79

Loni Anderson, the blonde bombshell with brains who captivated a generation of television audiences as receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on CBS’s WKRP in Cincinnati, has died at the age of 79. The Minnesota-born actress passed away peacefully at noon on Sunday, August 3, at a Los Angeles hospital, surrounded by her family, as confirmed by her longtime publicist Cheryl J. Kagan.

Her family released a statement, saying, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother.” Anderson would have turned 80 on August 5.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1945, Anderson was the daughter of environmental chemist Klaydon Anderson and model Maxine Hazel. She began her performing career in musical theater at age 10 and later studied at the University of Minnesota. Her big break came only after years of perseverance, starting with an uncredited role in the 1966 Steve McQueen Western Nevada Smith, followed by sporadic appearances in popular TV series including S.W.A.T., Barnaby Jones, The Love Boat, The Bob Newhart Show, and Three’s Company.

But it was in 1978 that Anderson skyrocketed to stardom with her role in WKRP in Cincinnati. Portraying the smart, glamorous, and unflappable Jennifer Marlowe, Anderson redefined the sitcom archetype of the “sexy blonde” by adding depth and intellect. “Very innovative, by the way, for 1978,” Anderson said in a 2007 interview with Ability magazine. “On TV, nobody sexy was smart, nobody glamorous was smart, especially in comedy.”

Her performance earned her two Emmy nominations (1980 and 1981) and three Golden Globe nods, and helped WKRP secure 10 Emmy nominations during its four-season run, including one win for Outstanding Video Tape Editing in 1982.

In interviews, Anderson often reflected on how her character, Jennifer, would thrive in the modern world. “She’s definitely a CEO, because she really ran the station,” she told Us Weekly in 2023.

During a brief departure from WKRP due to a salary dispute in 1980, Anderson starred in The Jayne Mansfield Story for CBS, kicking off a prolific run in made-for-TV films. Her performances in A Letter to Three Wives, Sorry, Wrong Number, and White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd demonstrated her dramatic range beyond comedy.

She reprised her iconic Jennifer Marlowe role in the early-‘90s reboot The New WKRP in Cincinnati and had notable stints on shows like Empty Nest, Nurses, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Melrose Place, where she played Teri Carson, the scheming mother of Denise Richards’ character. Film appearances included The Lonely Guy, All Dogs Go to Heaven, and A Night at the Roxbury.

Her personal life often made headlines, particularly her high-profile marriage to actor Burt Reynolds, whom she wed in 1988 after co-starring in the film Stroker Ace. The couple’s tumultuous relationship ended in divorce in 1994. Anderson had two previous marriages and found enduring love with musician Bob Flick, her husband at the time of her passing.

She was also a passionate health advocate, especially in raising awareness for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and authored the 1995 memoir My Life in High Heels, offering candid insights into her Hollywood experiences.

Later in her career, Anderson embraced LGBTQ+ representation, starring in the web series My Sister Is So Gay. She remained a vibrant presence in the industry for over four decades, admired for both her comedic timing and elegant poise.

Loni Anderson is survived by her husband Bob Flick; her son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds; daughter, Deidra Hoffman; son-in-law Charlie Hoffman; and numerous stepchildren and grandchildren.

She leaves behind a legacy not only as a pioneering TV star but also as an emblem of glamour, intelligence, and resilience in the entertainment world.