Loni Anderson, the radiant star of WKRP in Cincinnati, passed away in a Los Angeles hospital just days shy of her 80th birthday after a long illness. Her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, shared the sad news, and Anderson’s family released a touching statement: “We are devastated to share the loss of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.”
Anderson captured hearts as Jennifer Marlowe, the witty and warm receptionist on the CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982). Her performance earned her three Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nods.
Reflecting on her surprising rise to fame, she once said with a laugh, “I never imagined I’d be Loni Anderson, sex symbol—but I’m happy to roll with it.”
After WKRP, Anderson’s star continued to shine. She starred alongside Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy Stroker Ace, sparking a real-life romance that led to their 1988 marriage. The wedding was a Hollywood fairy tale, with Reynolds calling himself “the luckiest guy” and Anderson likening herself to Cinderella. Together, they adopted their son, Quinton. However, their marriage faced challenges, ending in a high-profile divorce in 1994.
Years later, Reynolds described their marriage as a misstep, while Anderson bravely shared in interviews that she endured physical abuse during their time together—a claim that stunned fans given Reynolds’ charming public image. Still, when Reynolds passed away in 2018, Anderson spoke warmly of their shared history and their love for Quinton.
Anderson’s career was marked by versatility, with roles in shows like Nurses, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and V.I.P. In 1995, she published her memoir, My Life in Heels, offering an honest look at her relationships, motherhood, and life in the spotlight.
She leaves behind her husband, musician Bob Flick, her two children, and a legacy of warmth and talent that will live on in the hearts of her fans.