LOS ANGELES – Loni Anderson, known for her role as the assertive receptionist at a struggling radio station in the comedy series “WKRP in Cincinnati,” passed away on Sunday, just days shy of her 80th birthday.
Anderson died at a Los Angeles hospital following a “prolonged” illness, said her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement.
The show “WKRP in Cincinnati” was broadcast from 1978 until 1982, depicting an underperforming Ohio radio station attempting to rejuvenate itself with rock music. The show featured Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner, and Jan Smithers, with Anderson portraying the attractive and intelligent Jennifer Marlowe.
As the receptionist, Jennifer, characterized by her blonde hair and high heels, utilized her allure to ward off unwanted calls for her superior, Mr. Carlson. Her adeptness often ensured the smooth running of the station amidst the ineptitude of others.
The role earned Anderson two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.
Anderson also appeared in the film “Stroker Ace” in 1983 alongside Burt Reynolds. The pair later wed and became frequent subjects of the tabloids before their tumultuous split in 1994.
Their son, Quinton Reynolds, was “the best decision that we ever made in our entire relationship,” Anderson mentioned during a ceremony unveiling a bronze bust at Reynolds’ grave in Hollywood in 2021.
Reflecting on her relationship with Reynolds, Anderson remarked to The Associated Press, “I think back to the beginning of our relationship, 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.”
Anderson detailed their tumultuous marriage in the 1995 autobiography, “My Life in High Heels,” which she said was about “the growth of a woman, a woman who survives.”
“I think if you’re going to write about yourself, you have to do it warts and all,” Anderson told the AP while promoting the book. “You may not even tell the nicest things about yourself, because you’re telling the truth.”
She married four times, most recently to Bob Flick in 2008.
Anderson was born Aug. 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Her father was an environmental chemist, and her mother was a model.
Her first role as an actress was a small part in the 1966 film “Nevada Smith,” starring Steve McQueen. Most of her career was spent on the small screen with early guest parts in the 1970s on “S.W.A.T.” and “Police Woman.” After “WKRP,” Anderson starred in the short-lived comedy series “Easy Street” and appeared in made-for-TV movies including “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” with Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild and Nicollette Sheridan.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of the wonderful Loni Anderson!” Fairchild wrote on X. “The sweetest, most gracious lady! I’m just devastated to hear this.”
Anderson is survived by Flick, her daughter Deidra and son-in law Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and wife Helene, and step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
A private family service is planned at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Kagan said.
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Associated Press journalist Itzel Luna in Los Angeles contributed.
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