Loni Anderson, beloved star of WKRP in Cincinnati, dies at 79
Loni Anderson, best known for her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe, the smart and glamorous receptionist on the hit sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has died at the age of 79. She passed away on Sunday at a hospital in Los Angeles after battling a prolonged illness, according to her longtime publicist Cheryl J. Kagan.
Just days shy of what would have been her 80th birthday on August 5, Anderson’s family released a heartfelt statement: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother”.
WKRP in Cincinnati aired from 1978 to 1982 and followed the staff of a struggling Ohio radio station aiming to reinvent itself with rock music. Anderson’s character Jennifer, known for her blend of beauty and brains, became a signature presence on the show—a receptionist who expertly shielded her boss from unwanted calls while keeping things running smoothly against others’ antics.
Her performance earned her critical acclaim: she garnered two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations for her role on the series.
Beyond television, Anderson appeared in films such as the 1983 comedy Stroker Ace, opposite Burt Reynolds, whom she later married. Their relationship and eventual divorce attracted significant media attention before it dissolved in 1994.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1945, Anderson’s career spanned decades and mediums—including television, film, stage, and even writing. In her 1995 memoir, My Life in High Heels, she candidly discussed her personal and professional journey, offering insight into her growth and resilience.
Even in later years, she remained active. Her final screen appearance was in the 2023 Lifetime holiday movie Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas, in which she starred alongside fellow television icons.
Anderson is survived by her husband, musician Bob Flick, whom she married in 2008—her two children, grandchildren, and members of her extended family.
A private service is planned at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to lung health or cancer charities