Loni Anderson, who played the savvy, high-heeled receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died on Sunday, according to AP. She was 79.
Anderson died at a hospital in Los Angeles after a battle with a “prolonged” illness, according to her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” Anderson’s family told AP in a statement.
Airing four seasons from 1978 to 1982, “WKRP in Cincinnati” followed a has-been Ohio radio station attempting a desperate image change by swapping their typical fare of low-impact jams to chart-topping rock and roll. Anderson starred as Jennifer Marlowe, WKRP’s empowered, quick-witted receptionist. Known for using her womanly charms to dismiss her boss, Mr. Carlson, she often served as a reliable anchor for the station, getting things done despite her incompetent co-workers. She earned two Emmy nods and three Golden Globe nominations for the role.
Other cast members included Gary Sandy, Gordon Jump, Howard Hesseman, Richard Sanders, Frank Bonner, Tim Reid and Jan Smithers.
“WKRP” made Anderson a household name, although she struggled to escape her typecast as the buxom blonde. She went on to star in the 1983 film “Stroker Ace” with Burt Reynolds, whom she famously married in 1988. The pair were together until 1994, when their messy divorce became the subject of tabloid fixation.
Anderson went on to appear in dozens of TV movies following “WKRP,” including “Country Gold,” “The Lonely Guy,” “A Letter to Three Wives,” “Stranded,” “Blondie & Dagwood” and “Blown Away.” She also starred in the TV series “Easy Street,” “Partners in Crime” and “Nurses.”
Anderson is survived by her husband of 17 years, Bob Flick, as well as her daughter Deidra, son-in-law Charlie Hoffan and son Quinton Anderson Reynolds.
