Loni Anderson, the acclaimed actress best known for her role as the intelligent and charming Jennifer Marlowe on the hit 1980s sitcom ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ has passed away at the age of 79.
Remembering a TV Icon
Anderson died peacefully on Sunday at a Los Angeles hospital after a prolonged illness. Her family released a statement expressing their heartbreak, remembering her as a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother.
She rose to prominence as Jennifer Marlowe in ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ a popular comedy that aired from 1978 to 1982. The show centered on a struggling Ohio radio station attempting to revitalize itself with a rock music format.
As the station’s empowered receptionist, Jennifer Marlowe used her wit and allure to skillfully manage calls and often kept the chaotic station running despite the incompetence of others. Her iconic portrayal earned Anderson two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations, cementing her status as a beloved television star.
Life Beyond WKRP: High-Profile Marriage and Memoir
Anderson’s life extended beyond her celebrated TV role. She starred opposite Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy film ‘Stroker Ace.’ Their relationship blossomed, leading to marriage and a highly publicized union that made them tabloid darlings.
Their marriage, though tumultuous and ending in a messy 1994 divorce, brought them a son, Quinton Reynolds. Anderson often spoke fondly of Quinton, calling him “the best decision that we ever made in our entire relationship.”
In 1995, Anderson candidly chronicled her life, including her marriage to Reynolds, in her autobiography, ‘My Life in High Heels.’ She emphasized that the book was about the growth of a woman who survived life’s ups and downs, embracing truth with “warts and all.”
A Versatile Career and Enduring Legacy
Born on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Loni Anderson’s acting career began with a small role in the 1966 film ‘Nevada Smith.’ Much of her work was on television, with guest appearances in the 1970s on shows like ‘S.W.A.T.’ and ‘Police Woman.’
After ‘WKRP,’ she continued to appear in various television series and made-for-TV movies. In 2023, she graced the screen again in Lifetime’s ‘Ladies Of The 80s: A Divas Christmas,’ alongside fellow stars like Linda Gray and Morgan Fairchild. Fairchild shared her devastation, remembering Anderson as “the sweetest, most gracious lady!”
- Loni Anderson was best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on ‘WKRP in Cincinnati.’
- She earned multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her performance.
- Anderson had a high-profile marriage to Burt Reynolds, which ended in 1994.
- She published an autobiography, ‘My Life in High Heels,’ in 1995.
- Her career spanned decades, including a recent appearance in ‘Ladies Of The 80s: A Divas Christmas.’
Loni Anderson is survived by her husband, Bob Flick, her daughter Deidra, son Quinton, grandchildren, and step-children. A private family service is planned to honor her memory.
