Quick Read
- Loni Anderson, star of ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ passed away at age 79 on August 3, 2025.
- She gained fame as Jennifer Marlowe, a groundbreaking role that redefined women’s roles on TV.
- Her career spanned decades, including roles in TV shows, movies, and biopics.
- Anderson was married four times, most notably to Burt Reynolds, and leaves behind children and grandchildren.
- Her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe remains iconic, influencing generations of television viewers.
Loni Anderson, the celebrated actress best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe in the classic sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, passed away on August 3, 2025, just two days shy of her 80th birthday. Her death, confirmed by her publicist Cheryl J. Kagan, followed a prolonged illness. Anderson’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of the show and the television industry as a whole.
The Rise of a Television Icon
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1945, Loni Anderson’s early years were a far cry from the Hollywood glamour she would later embody. A natural brunette, Anderson competed in the Miss Minnesota pageant and initially pursued a career as a high school art teacher before transitioning to acting. After moving to Hollywood, she landed guest roles on popular television series like Barnaby Jones, The Bob Newhart Show, and Three’s Company. However, it was her role in WKRP in Cincinnati that transformed her into a household name.
Airing from 1978 to 1982, WKRP in Cincinnati was a sitcom centered on a struggling Ohio radio station attempting to reinvent itself with a rock music format. Anderson played Jennifer Marlowe, the station’s glamorous and highly competent receptionist. Her character was a groundbreaking portrayal of a woman who used her intelligence and charm to navigate a male-dominated workplace. Anderson’s performance earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations, solidifying her status as a television icon.
Beyond WKRP: A Versatile Career
While WKRP in Cincinnati was her most iconic role, Anderson’s career spanned decades and included a variety of television and film projects. In 1983, she co-starred with Burt Reynolds in the comedy Stroker Ace. The two married in 1988, becoming one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples before their divorce in 1994. Anderson also appeared alongside Lynda Carter in the short-lived detective series Partners in Crime in 1984 and starred in the sitcom Easy Street in 1986.
Her other notable credits include guest appearances on Melrose Place, Clueless, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. She also portrayed real-life figures like Jayne Mansfield and Thelma Todd in television biopics. In her later years, Anderson returned to the screen in the Lifetime ensemble film Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas in 2023, showcasing her enduring appeal to audiences.
A Personal Life in the Spotlight
Anderson’s personal life was as publicized as her career. She was married four times, most famously to Burt Reynolds. The couple adopted a son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds, during their marriage. Anderson’s other children include her daughter Deidra Hoffman. She is survived by her fourth husband, Bob Flick, a founding member of the folk group The Brothers Four, as well as her grandchildren and step-grandchildren.
Despite her glamorous image, Anderson was known for her down-to-earth personality and dedication to her family. In interviews, she often spoke about the importance of challenging stereotypes, particularly through her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe. “I never thought I would be Loni Anderson, sex symbol,” she said in a 2021 interview. “But I embrace it. I think I was lucky enough to have been able to play so many different things, and sex symbol was a part of it.”
A Lasting Legacy
Anderson’s impact on television extends beyond her roles. Her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe helped redefine comedic roles for women, proving that beauty and intelligence could coexist in a single character. The timeless appeal of WKRP in Cincinnati continues to resonate with audiences, with episodes like “Turkey’s Away” earning a spot on TV Guide’s list of the “100 Greatest Episodes of All Time.”
Even decades after the show ended, Anderson remained a beloved figure among fans. She often received fan mail from around the world and participated in reunions with her WKRP co-stars. Reflecting on the show’s legacy, she once said, “It’s lovely to be thought of as one of the best TV comedies. I think it’s timeless.”
As we bid farewell to Loni Anderson, her contributions to television and her groundbreaking work in redefining women’s roles on screen will continue to inspire generations to come.