Veteran actress Loni Anderson passes away.
Loni Anderson, Iconic Actress from 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' Passes Away at 79
Loni Anderson, the American actress best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe in the CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has passed away at the age of 79. According to her representative, Anderson died on Sunday in a Los Angeles hospital after a long illness.
Born on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Anderson grew up in Roseville, Minnesota. Her father was an environmental chemist, and her mother was a former model. Anderson's name was originally going to be Leilani but was changed to Loni to avoid teasing during her teenage years.
Anderson's career began in the late 70s with her role in the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, for which she was nominated three times for a Golden Globe and twice for an Emmy. Her portrayal of the witty receptionist of a radio station earned her three Golden Globe Award nominations and two Emmy Award nominations for Best Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy.
In addition to her work on WKRP in Cincinnati, Anderson appeared in Lifetime's "Ladies Of The 80s: A Divas Christmas" alongside Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild, and Nicollette Sheridan in 2023.
Anderson was also known for her role alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in "The Jayne Mansfield Story" in 1980. Her autobiography, My Life in High Heels, published in 1995, offers a deeper look into her life experiences and career. The book was described as "the story of a woman's growth, a woman's survival."
Regarding her personal life, Anderson was known for her colorful life, which included multiple marriages. She was previously married to Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds, and their marriage ended in a bitter custody battle over their adopted son. Anderson detailed her tumultuous marriage with Reynolds in her 1995 autobiography.
Upon Anderson's death, Morgan Fairchild paid tribute to her, expressing heartbreak. Anderson's death was reported on August 3, 2025, at age 79.
[References] 1. IMDb: Loni Anderson 2. Wikipedia: Loni Anderson
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive concerning Anderson's contributions to entertainment, given her iconic roles in shows like 'WKRP in Cincinnati' and 'The Jayne Mansfield Story.' In a heartfelt tribute, celebrities such as Morgan Fairchild honored Anderson's life and career after her passing at the age of 79.
