Loni Anderson, best known for her role as the sharp and confident receptionist on the hit sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died Sunday in a Los Angeles hospital, just days shy of her 80th birthday.
According to her longtime publicist Cheryl J. Kagan, Anderson passed away after a “prolonged” illness per the AP.
Loni Anderson was an American actress best known for her breakout role as Jennifer Marlowe, the glamorous and quick-witted receptionist on the hit sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Born on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Anderson began acting in the early 1970s with guest spots on popular TV shows like S.W.A.T., The Love Boat, and Fantasy Island. Her big break came in 1978 when she landed the role on WKRP, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her performance. Her portrayal challenged stereotypes, portraying a beautiful woman who was also smart, capable, and self-assured.
WKRP in Cincinnati was a hit sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1982, focusing on the ups and downs of a struggling radio station trying to turn things around. Set in a fictional Cincinnati rock station, the show followed a group of oddball employees—like a relaxed DJ, clueless station manager, and smart, stylish receptionist played by Loni Anderson—as they worked to boost ratings. The show stood out for its clever humor, unique characters, and bold takes on real-life issues like race, censorship, and office politics. Its catchy theme song and realistic look at radio life made it a fan favorite.
Following WKRP, Anderson continued acting in both comedic and dramatic roles across television and film. She starred in shows like Partners in Crime, Nurses, and Easy Street, and appeared in movies such as Stroker Ace alongside then-husband Burt Reynolds. Their high-profile marriage and tumultuous divorce in the early 1990s made headlines and kept Anderson in the public eye beyond her acting work.
In later years, Anderson made appearances on shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Mullets, and Baby Daddy, often playing off her iconic status and sharp comedic timing. She also became a spokesperson for COPD awareness, inspired by her parents’ health struggles, and remained active in charitable causes.
Known for her beauty, blonde bombshell image, and bubbly personality, Anderson was also admired for her resilience and advocacy. Off-screen, she wrote a memoir titled My Life in High Heels, where she opened up about her career, relationships, and personal challenges.
