Legendary TV Star Loni Anderson, ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ Icon, Dies at 79
Legendary TV star Loni Anderson, best known for portraying Jennifer Marlowe on the Ohio-based sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, passed away on Sunday at the age of 79. Her family confirmed that she died in a Los Angeles hospital after a prolonged illness.
Anderson rose to fame in the late 1970s playing the smart, stylish receptionist at the fictional WKRP radio station, set in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show, which aired from 1978 to 1982, remains one of the most iconic TV sitcoms of its era, especially beloved by Midwest viewers.
Her breakout role earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nods, solidifying her legacy as a powerhouse in television comedy. With a mix of elegance, charm, and sharp wit, Anderson’s portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe broke stereotypes and left a lasting impact on the portrayal of women in media.
Beyond WKRP, Anderson appeared in movies like Stroker Ace (1983) with Burt Reynolds, whom she later married. Their highly publicized relationship, and eventual split, made headlines throughout the ’80s and ’90s. In her candid memoir My Life in High Heels (1995), Anderson detailed her life in the spotlight and her journey as a resilient woman navigating fame and adversity.
She continued to act through the decades, recently co-starring in Ladies of the 80s: A Divas Christmas in 2023 alongside Linda Gray, Morgan Fairchild, and others.
Born August 5, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Loni Anderson began her career with a small role in Nevada Smith (1966) and went on to appear in numerous hit shows including S.W.A.T., Police Woman, and Easy Street.
Anderson leaves behind her husband Bob Flick, her daughter Deidra, her son Quinton Reynolds, and grandchildren. A private memorial will be held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
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