LOS ANGELES (AP) – Loni Anderson, the esteemed actress renowned for her role as the savvy receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the beloved TV series “WKRP in Cincinnati,” passed away on Sunday, just a few days shy of her 80th birthday. Anderson's death occurred at a hospital in Los Angeles following a prolonged illness, as confirmed by her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan.
In a heartfelt statement, Anderson's family expressed their sorrow: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother.” The iconic sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati” aired from 1978 to 1982, focusing on the struggles of a faltering Ohio radio station attempting to revitalize its image with a new rock music format. The show's cast featured notable actors including Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner, and Jan Smithers, with Anderson’s Jennifer Marlowe being a standout character whose beauty was complemented by her sharp intellect.
As the efficient receptionist, Jennifer often intercepted unwanted calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson, and her exceptional organizational skills played a pivotal role in maintaining the station's operations amid the chaos brought by others. This iconic role earned Anderson two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations, highlighting her talent and contribution to television.
Anderson's on-screen success extended beyond television; she starred alongside Burt Reynolds in the 1983 film “Stroker Ace.” The two became a central focus in tabloids during their marriage, which ended in a highly publicized and tumultuous breakup in 1994. Reflecting on their relationship, Anderson noted that their son, Quinton Reynolds, represented “the best decision that we ever made in our entire relationship.” In 2021, she shared her memories of their time together, acknowledging the challenges they faced as a couple caught in the public eye.
In her 1995 autobiography titled “My Life in High Heels,” Anderson candidly detailed her complicated marriage to Reynolds, emphasizing her journey of personal growth and survival. She remarked, “If you’re going to write about yourself, you have to do it warts and all,” reinforcing the notion of truthfulness in memoir writing. Throughout her life, Anderson married four times, with her final marriage occurring in 2008 to Bob Flick.
Born on August 5, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Anderson was the daughter of an environmental chemist and a model. She embarked on her acting career with a small role in the 1966 film “Nevada Smith,” which starred Steve McQueen. Her early television appearances included guest roles on shows like “S.W.A.T.” and “Police Woman.” Following the success of “WKRP,” she starred in the short-lived comedy series “Easy Street” and appeared in various made-for-TV movies, including “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,” alongside other notable actresses such as Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild, and Nicollette Sheridan. Following the news of her passing, actress Morgan Fairchild expressed her condolences, stating, “I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of the wonderful Loni Anderson! The sweetest, most gracious lady! I’m just devastated to hear this.”
Loni Anderson is survived by her husband Bob Flick, her daughter Deidra and son-in-law Charlie Hoffman, her son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, granddaughters McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and his wife Helene, along with step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian. A private family service is being arranged at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, as confirmed by Kagan.
