Loni Anderson, Beloved 'WKRP in Cincinnati' Star, Passes Away at 79

Los Angeles, Aug 4 (AP) Loni Anderson, famous for her iconic role as the assertive receptionist on the beloved TV comedy "WKRP in Cincinnati," passed away on Sunday, just shy of her 80th birthday. Her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, confirmed that Anderson died at a Los Angeles hospital after a prolonged illness. Anderson's family expressed their sorrow in a statement, saying, "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother." "WKRP in Cincinnati," which aired from 1978 to 1982, was set in an Ohio radio station attempting to rejuvenate itself with rock music. The show was brought to life by a talented ensemble cast including Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner, and Jan Smithers, alongside Anderson, who played Jennifer Marlowe. As the station’s receptionist, Jennifer Marlowe was more than eye-catching beauty; her cleverness and efficiency were instrumental in keeping the station afloat amid many challenges. This role earned Anderson two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations. Beyond television, Anderson made a splash on the big screen alongside Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy "Stroker Ace." Their eventual marriage made headlines, yet the public's gaze remained on them through their highly-publicized breakup in 1994. Reflecting on their shared journey during a ceremony at Reynolds' Hollywood grave site in 2021, Anderson said, "Our son Quinton was the best decision that we ever made in our entire relationship." In an interview with The Associated Press, Anderson described their relationship as both difficult and resilient, stating, "It was so, oh, gosh, tabloidy. We were just a spectacle all the time. And it was hard to have a relationship in that atmosphere. And somehow, we did it through many ups and downs." In her 1995 autobiography, "My Life in High Heels," Anderson candidly cataloged their tumultuous marriage, portraying herself as "a woman who survives." About her memoir she stated, "If you’re going to write about yourself, you have to do it warts and all." Anderson's personal life saw her marrying four times, her most recent marriage being to Bob Flick in 2008. Born on Aug. 5, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, her father worked as an environmental chemist, and her mother was a model. She first appeared on screen in the 1966 film "Nevada Smith" with Steve McQueen. She later gained recognition with roles on TV in the 1970s including "S.W.A.T." and "Police Woman." Following the success of "WKRP," Anderson took the lead in the series "Easy Street" and made appearances in television movies such as "A Letter to Three Wives" and "White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd." In 2023, she joined a stellar cast in the Lifetime film "Ladies Of The 80s: A Divas Christmas," alongside Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild, and Nicollette Sheridan. Morgan Fairchild paid tribute to Anderson via social media, writing, "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." Anderson is survived by her husband Flick, daughter Deidra and her husband Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and his wife Helene, as well as step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian. A private family service will be held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, according to Kagan.

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