Loni Anderson, known for her role as a strong receptionist at a struggling radio station in the popular TV comedy “WKRP in Cincinnati,” passed away on Sunday, just days shy of her 80th birthday.
Her long-time publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, stated that Anderson died in a Los Angeles hospital after a lengthy illness.
Anderson's family expressed their grief in a statement: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.”
“WKRP in Cincinnati,” which aired from 1978 to 1982, took place in an Ohio radio station attempting to revamp itself with rock music. The cast featured Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner, and Jan Smithers, with Anderson playing Jennifer Marlowe, a character whose beauty matched her brains.
As the station's receptionist, the stylish and blonde Jennifer often redirected unwanted business calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson, and her effectiveness frequently kept the station afloat amidst others' failings.
Anderson received two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations for the role. She appeared on screen with Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy “Stroker Ace,” and the two later wed, becoming tabloid staples until their tumultuous split in 1994.
Their son, Quinton Reynolds, was “the best decision we ever made in our whole relationship,” she said at the unveiling of a bronze bust at Reynolds’ Hollywood grave in 2021.
“I remember the start of our relationship; it was so, oh my gosh, tabloid-like. We were always a spectacle. Maintaining a relationship in that environment was tough, but somehow we managed through many highs and lows,” Anderson told The Associated Press.
Anderson recounted their rocky marriage in her 1995 autobiography, “My Life in High Heels,” which she described as “the growth of a woman, a woman who survives.”
“If you’re going to write about yourself, you must include everything, flaws and all,” Anderson told the AP while promoting the book. “You might not even share the best things about yourself because you’re being honest.”
She has been married four times, most recently to Bob Flick in 2008.
Anderson was born on August 5, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her father was an environmental chemist, and her mother was a model.
Her acting debut was a minor role in the 1966 movie “Nevada Smith,” featuring Steve McQueen. She spent most of her career on television, landing early guest spots in the 1970s on “S.W.A.T.” and “Police Woman.” Following “WKRP,” Anderson led the brief comedy series “Easy Street” and appeared in TV movies such as “A Letter to Three Wives” and “White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd.”
In 2023, she co-starred in Lifetime’s “Ladies Of The 80s: A Divas Christmas” alongside Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild, and Nicollette Sheridan.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of the wonderful Loni Anderson!” Fairchild posted on X. “The sweetest, most gracious lady! I’m just devastated to hear this.”
Anderson is survived by her daughter Deidra, son-in-law Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick, wife Helene, and step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
Kagan stated that a private family service is planned at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
