Iconic 1980s actor Loni Anderson, famed for her role in the popular TV series 'WKRP in Cincinnati', passes away.
Loni Anderson, the beloved actress known for her role in the popular television series WKRP in Cincinnati, passed away on Sunday at the age of 74.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1945, Anderson began her acting career with a role in the 1966 film Nevada Smith alongside Steve McQueen. However, it was her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe, the station's receptionist in WKRP in Cincinnati, that earned her widespread acclaim. This role brought her two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations[1].
Following her success in WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982), Anderson continued her acting career for over five decades, with appearances in various television shows and movies. While details about her projects post-WKRP are not extensive, her career spanned many years beyond the series, as noted in retrospectives following her death in August 2025[2][3].
In 1983, Anderson starred in the comedy Stroker Ace alongside Burt Reynolds, whom she later married. After WKRP in Cincinnati, she starred in the short-lived comedy series Easy Street and made-for-TV movies such as A Letter to Three Wives and White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd. In 2023, Anderson co-starred in Lifetime's Ladies Of The 80s: A Divas Christmas with several other actresses[1].
Anderson's family issued a statement saying, "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother." She 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 wife Helene, and step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian[2].
Anderson detailed her tumultuous marriage with Reynolds in her 1995 autobiography, My Life in High Heels, describing it as being about "the growth of a woman, a woman who survives." Her son, Quinton Reynolds, was referred to as "the best decision that we ever made in our entire relationship" by Anderson[1][3].
A private family service is planned at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Morgan Fairchild, another actress known for her role in WKRP in Cincinnati, wrote a tribute to Anderson, expressing her sadness at Anderson's passing[1].
[1] Itzel Luna, Associated Press journalist. [2] Variety. (2025). Loni Anderson Dies: Actress Was 74. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/loni-anderson-dead-dies-actress-wkrp-in-cincinnati-1235173358/ [3] The Hollywood Reporter. (2025). Loni Anderson, 'WKRP in Cincinnati' Star, Dead at 74. [online] Available at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/loni-anderson-wkrp-in-cincinnati-star-dead-at-74-1235173358/ [4] IMDb. (2021). Loni Anderson. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000536/ [5] Wikipedia. (2021). Loni Anderson. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loni_Anderson
Anderson's extensive career in entertainment spanned over five decades, including roles in various movies-and-tv shows such as WKRP in Cincinnati, Stroker Ace, A Letter to Three Wives, White Hot, and Ladies Of The 80s: A Divas Christmas. Her fame also extended to her encounters with celebrities, as she collaborated with renowned actors like Steve McQueen, Burt Reynolds, and Morgan Fairchild throughout her career.
