Beloved ‘WKRP’ Star Loni Anderson Passes Away at 79—A TV Legend Lost.
Loni Anderson, who embodied the quick-witted receptionist who saved a floundering Cincinnati radio station on the beloved sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati,” passed away Sunday, just ahead of her 80th birthday.
“Absolutely shattered to hear our angel Loni Anderson has left us,” Fairchild shared on X. “She was the sweetest, most gracious lady. My heart is truly broken.”
According to NPR Her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, disclosed that Anderson died in a Los Angeles hospital after a prolonged illness. “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother,” the family said in a statement.
Set from 1978 to 1982, “WKRP in Cincinnati” followed the fictional station as it battled to stay afloat by spinning the latest rock hits.
Anderson, who lit up the screen as the attractive, brainy Jennifer Marlowe, shared the spotlight with Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner, and Jan Smithers.
Answering the switchboard in stilettos and a confident smile, Jennifer coolly screened the flood of unwanted calls for station manager Mr. Carlson, turning unwanted advances into witty comebacks and keeping the station afloat through sheer savvy.
Her work earned her two Emmy nods and three Golden Globe nominations for best actress in a sitcom.
Her on-screen charisma led to a photo finish-in-life romance with Burt Reynolds; the two co-starred in the 1983 NASCAR comedy “Stroker Ace” and soon after married, becoming a constant presence in tabloid headlines until their divorce in 1994.
Anderson leaves behind her beloved husband Bob Flick, her daughter Deidra and son-in-law Charlie Hoffman, her son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, and her cherished grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman.
She is also survived by her stepson Adam Flick and his wife Helene, along with her step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
Everything You Need To Know About Loni Anderson!
Loni Anderson
Loni Anderson is a well-known American actress best remembered for her role as the glamorous receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the classic CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Her unforgettable performance on the show brought her three Golden Globe Awards and two Emmy nominations.
Early Life
- Born: August 5, 1945
- Hometown: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Loni Anderson Height and Net Worth
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m)
- Net Worth: $12 million
Personal Life
Loni has been married three times, including a famous union with actor Burt Reynolds. Her children are Deidre Hoffman and Quinton Anderson Reynolds. Her parents are Klaydon Carl “Andy” Anderson and Maxine Hazel Kallin.
Loni Anderson Spouse
Burt Reynolds, Ross Bickell, Bruce Hasselberg.
Parents
Klaydon Carl “Andy” Anderson, Maxine Hazel Kallin.
Loni Anderson Movies & Tv Shows
- Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas 2023
- The Gambler V: Playing For Keeps 1994
burt reynolds and loni anderson
Loni Anderson Awards and Shows
| Year | Association | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Golden Globe | Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy | WKRP in Cincinnati | Nominated |
| 1981 | Emmy (Primetime) | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | WKRP in Cincinnati | Nominated |
| 1981 | Golden Globe | Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy | WKRP in Cincinnati | Nominated |
| 1980 | Emmy (Primetime) | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series | WKRP in Cincinnati | Nominated |
| 1980 | Golden Globe | Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy | WKRP in Cincinnati | Nominated |
loni anderson 1970s
What is Cause of Death Loni Anderson
According The Associated Press reports that Anderson’s official cause of death has not been disclosed, but she had been sick for several months.
Her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, told the AP that Anderson “died following a prolonged illness” at a Los Angeles hospital. She was only a few days shy of turning 80.
The Hollywood Reporter described the illness as both “acute” and “prolonged,” noting that Anderson passed away at noon in Los Angeles.