Popular 1980s actor Loni Anderson of the hit TV series 'WKRP in Cincinnati' has died
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.
'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.
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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American Press
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- American Press
1980s actor Loni Anderson of the hit TV series 'WKRP in Cincinnati' has died
Loni Anderson, who played a struggling radio station's empowered receptionist on the hit TV comedy 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' died Sunday, just days before 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. 'WKRP in Cincinnati' aired from 1978 to 1982 and was set in a flagging 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 Jennifer Marlowe, whose good looks were matched by her intelligence. As the station's receptionist, the blonde and high-heeled Jennifer routinely deflected unwanted business calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson. Her efficiency often kept the station running in the face of others' incompetence. The role earned Anderson two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations. Anderson starred on the big screen alongside Burt Reynold s in the 1983 comedy 'Stroker Ace,' and the two later married and became tabloid fixtures before their messy breakup in 1994. Their son, Quinton Reynolds, was 'the best decision that we ever made in our entire relationship,' she said during the unveiling of a bronze bust at Reynolds' Hollywood grave site in 2021. '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 told 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 St. 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.
Epoch Times
an hour ago
- Epoch Times
Popular 1980s Actress Loni Anderson of Hit TV Series ‘WKRP in Cincinnati' Dies at 79
LOS ANGELES—Loni Anderson, who played a struggling radio station's empowered receptionist on the hit TV comedy 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' died Sunday, just days before her 80th birthday. Anderson died at a Los Angeles hospital following a prolonged illness, said her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
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'WKRP in Cincinnati' Star Loni Anderson Dies At 79 After A 'Prolonged Illness'
One of the stars from Hollywood's Golden Age, Loni Anderson, has taken her final breath at 79. The sensational actress died from an undisclosed condition on August 3, 2025, just two days before she turned 80. Her family and her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, confirmed her death in poignant statements. Loni Anderson rose to fame for refusing to portray the stereotypical "dumb blonde" character on the sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati." She was married four times and is survived by her fourth husband, Bob Flick, and two children from her previous marriages. Loni Anderson Passes Away After Hidden Health Battle Anderson's publicist announced her passing in a statement, revealing the actress died at noon on August 3 in Los Angeles from "an acute prolonged illness." Details about her hidden health battle are yet to be revealed, but her death has sparked renewed interest in her life and iconic career. The late entertainer became a household name for portraying Jennifer Marlowe, a clever radio station receptionist on "WKRP in Cincinnati." She initially turned down the role for making the character a stereotypical "dumb blonde," recalling in a 2020 interview that she refused to embody such labels. "I went in and sat on my little soapbox and said, 'I don't want to play this part because she's just here to deliver messages and is window dressing,'" Anderson claimed, per The Hollywood Reporter, noting her arguments impressed the show's creator, Hugh Wilson. "He said, 'Let's make her look like Lana Turner and be the smartest person in the room.'" The Late Actress Won Numerous Hearts With The Role Anderson's refusal to portray Jennifer as she was initially written became the reason the show stood out from the rest. She starred on all but one of the sitcom's 90 episodes, which earned her nominations for three Golden Globe Awards and two Emmy Awards. After the show's four-season run through April 1982, Anderson starred as Pembrook Feeny alongside her third ex-husband, Burt Reynolds, in "Stroker Ace." The former couple first met in 1981 on "The Merv Griffin Show" while she was still married to her second ex-husband, Ross Bickell. Steve Sauer, Anderson's manager for 30 years, reflected on her life and career in a statement following her death. "Loni was a class act. Beautiful. Talented. Witty. ALWAYS a joy to be around. She was the ultimate working mother. Family first … and maintained a great balance with her career," he claimed. More About The Hollywood Veteran's Life & Career Anderson's family similarly confirmed her death in a statement, noting, "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother." RealityTea reported the late actress died at a Los Angeles hospital following her undisclosed prolonged illness. The TV personality, born on August 5, 1945, was the daughter of environmental chemist Klaydon Carl "Andy" Anderson and former model Maxine Hazel. She made her acting debut in the 1966 film "Nevada Smith" but couldn't find her place in the spotlight. After a decade of unemployment, Anderson returned to the entertainment industry and made several guest appearances in TV series like "S.W.A.T.," "Phyllis," and "Police Woman." Her big break came in "WKRP in Cincinnati," which increased her net worth. She also made money from her hit memoir "My Life in High Heels." The TV Personality Was Married Four Times Anderson reportedly had an estimated net worth of $13 million in 2025, money she accumulated from her time as an actress and her autobiography. Outside the entertainment industry, she made waves for her vibrant personality and relationships, including four marriages. The Hollywood veteran first tied the knot in 1964 to real estate developer Bruce Hasselberg. They welcomed one daughter, Deidra, before their short-lived union ended in 1966. Anderson moved on with actor Ross Bickell, saying their vows in 1974 and concluding their chapter together in 1981. Anderson, per Wikipedia, tied the knot to her third husband, actor Burt Reynolds, in 1988. They adopted one child, a son named Quinton, before their romance ended bitterly in 1994. After three divorces, Anderson finally found an everlasting love with her fourth and final husband, Bob Flick, one of the founding members of the folk band The Brothers Four. Loni Anderson's Beauty & Talents Paved Her Path To Success Anderson revealed in her memoir that her father initially planned to name her Leilani. However, he changed his mind after realizing her name could be mispronounced as "Lay" Lani and settled for Loni, a moniker that matched her beauty and brains. While growing up in suburban Roseville, Minnesota, Anderson attended Alexander Ramsey Senior High School, where she was voted Queen of the Valentine's Day Winter Formal of 1963. Her beauty continued to pave her path to success as she was offered her iconic role after a red swimsuit poster. Hugh Wilson, the sitcom's creator, was reportedly impressed by Anderson's beauty in the poster. He claimed she got the role because her body resembled Jayne Mansfield's and possessed the innocent sexuality of Marilyn Monroe. However, Anderson's acting skills blew showrunners away, so they agreed to increase her salary. Loni Anderson will be honored in a private family service at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Rest in peace, Queen! This story is developing. More to come. Solve the daily Crossword
