Loni Anderson, ‘WKRP in Cincinnati' star, ex-wife to Burt Reynolds, dead at 79
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.
3 Actress Loni Anderson has passed away just days before her 80th birthday.
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
'WKRP in Cincinnati' aired from 1978-1982 and was set in a lagging Ohio radio station trying to reinvent itself with rock music. The cast included Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner and Jan Smithers, alongside Anderson as the sexy and smart Jennifer Marlowe.
As the station's receptionist, the blonde and high-heeled Jennifer used her sex appeal to deflect unwanted business calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson. Her efficiency often kept the station running in the face of others' incompetence.
The role earned her two Emmy Award and three Golden Globe nominations.
Anderson starred on the big screen alongside Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy 'Stroker Ace' and the two later married and became tabloid fixtures before divorcing in 1994.
3 Anderson with Burt Reynolds in 1987.
AP
3 Anderson and Reynolds were married from 1988 to 1994.
Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Anderson is survived by her husband Bob Flick, daughter Deidra and son-in law Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and wife Helene, step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
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