Nineteenth-eighties thespian Loni Anderson, famed for her role in the successful TV show 'WKRP in Cincinnati', has passed away.
Loni Anderson, the beloved actress who rose to fame for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on the iconic television comedy WKRP in Cincinnati, passed away on Sunday at the age of 79 following a prolonged illness.
Born in Minnesota, Anderson began her career in the entertainment industry and quickly made a name for herself with her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe, the station's receptionist, on WKRP in Cincinnati which aired from 1978 to 1982. Her character was known for her efficiency in keeping the station running, even in the face of others' incompetence, and for using her sex appeal to deflect unwanted business calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson.
Anderson's performance as Jennifer earned her two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations. The character also brought her significant television acclaim, with nominations for both Emmy and Golden Globe awards[1][2].
Following WKRP in Cincinnati, Anderson continued to work in film and television, starring in movies such as The Jayne Mansfield Story and Stroker Ace, the latter alongside her future husband Burt Reynolds[2]. Anderson and Reynolds later married and became tabloid fixtures before divorcing in 1994[1].
Anderson is survived by her son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, her daughter Deidra and son-in-law Charlie Hoffman, her stepson Adam Flick and his wife Helene, and her step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian[3]. She is also survived by her husband Bob Flick, with whom she remarried in 2008[3].
Anderson's publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, released a statement regarding her death, saying "Loni was an amazing talent and an even more amazing human being. She had an infectious enthusiasm and a profound creativity, which brought so much joy to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was a loving mother, a devoted wife, a caring friend, and a true original. She will be deeply missed."
WKRP in Cincinnati was set in a radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was a TV comedy in which Anderson played a character. The show, which also starred Gary Sandy, Howard Hesseman, and Tim Reid, was a critical and commercial success during its run and remains a beloved part of television history[4].
Anderson's death at a Los Angeles hospital marks the end of a career that spanned over four decades and brought joy and laughter to countless fans. She will be remembered for her talent, her warmth, and her enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
[1] "Loni Anderson." IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000504/ [2] "Loni Anderson." Biography. https://www.biography.com/actors/loni-anderson [3] "Loni Anderson Dead at 79." Variety. https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/loni-anderson-dead-wkrp-in-cincinnati-1235104876/ [4] "WKRP in Cincinnati." IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080269/
Anderson's popularity as Jennifer Marlowe, a role she portrayed on WKRP in Cincinnati, often put her alongside celebrities in the entertainment industry, although her personal life, with marriages to Burt Reynolds and Bob Flick, also brought her tabloid attention.
The character Jennifer Marlowe, played by Anderson, gained significant acclaim, earning her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, reflecting her status as a celebrated celebrity in the world of television entertainment.
