LOS ANGELES (AP) — Loni Anderson, renowned for her role as the assertive receptionist at a struggling radio station in the popular TV sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati,” passed away Sunday, just 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” aired from 1978 to 1982, chronicling the journey of an Ohio radio station attempting to revive its fortunes with rock music. The ensemble cast featured Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner, and Jan Smithers, with Anderson playing the alluring and intelligent Jennifer Marlowe.
As the station’s front desk manager, the glamorous Jennifer adeptly utilized her charm to fend off unnecessary calls for her superior, Mr. Carlson. Her competence was instrumental in keeping the station afloat amid prevalent inefficiencies.
The role earned Anderson two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.
Anderson also appeared in the 1983 film “Stroker Ace” alongside Burt Reynolds, whom she later married, turning them into frequent subjects of tabloid stories until their publicized split in 1994.
Quinton Reynolds, their son, was described by Anderson as “the best decision that we ever made in our entire relationship” during the 2021 dedication of a bronze bust at Reynolds’ resting place in Hollywood.
Reflecting on their history, Anderson noted, “In the early days of our relationship, it was such a media frenzy. We were constantly in the spotlight, and maintaining a relationship in that kind of environment was challenging. Nonetheless, we managed to navigate through the many highs and lows,” Anderson remarked to The Associated Press.
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.
