Loni Anderson, Beloved 'WKRP in Cincinnati' Star, Passes Away at 79
Anderson passed away on Sunday, August 3rd, in a Los Angeles hospital, just days before her 80th birthday. Her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, confirmed her death, stating it followed a prolonged illness.
From Brunette Bombshell to TV Icon:
Anderson became a household name playing Jennifer Marlowe on "WKRP in Cincinnati," which aired from 1978 to 1982. Her character, the receptionist at a struggling radio station switching to rock music, was far more than just a pretty face. With her signature platinum blonde hair, sparkling eyes, and dimples, Jennifer was secretly the smartest person in the room – a groundbreaking role at the time.
"I was against being like blonde window dressing," Anderson once said. "Jennifer was the smartest person in the room... glamorous and smart." Her performance earned her three Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nominations.
Beyond WKRP: Fame, Tabloids, and Later Roles:
Anderson's fame skyrocketed, but her personal life also became big news, especially her relationship and marriage to superstar Burt Reynolds. They met in 1982 while filming the movie "Stoaker Ace," married in 1988, and adopted a son, Quinton. Their divorce in 1993 was famously bitter and played out in the tabloids for years. Reynolds himself later called it "one of the longest and nastiest divorces in Hollywood history." However, Anderson said they had reconciled as friends before Reynolds' death in 2018.
In 2008, Anderson found lasting happiness, marrying musician Bob Flick, a founding member of the folk group The Brothers Four. Remarkably, they had first met 45 years to the day before their wedding at a fan event for his band.
A Lasting Legacy:
Anderson kept acting for decades, appearing in over 60 roles. She starred in "The Jayne Mansfield Story" (1980) and reprised her Jennifer Marlowe role briefly in the "New WKRP" sequel series in the early 90s. She worked well into her 70s, appearing in the 2023 Lifetime movie "Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas."
She remained instantly recognizable, keeping her trademark blonde hair. Reflecting on her career recently, she noted how actors today can be chameleons, but in her era, "everybody had an image, and you stuck with your image... We were kind of put into our image. Into our Loni-suit."
Remembering Loni Anderson:
Loni Anderson is survived by her loving husband, Bob Flick; her son, Quinton Reynolds; her daughter, Deidra Hoffman; stepson Adam Flick; two granddaughters; and two step-grandchildren.
She will be remembered for her comedic talent, her iconic role as the brilliant Jennifer Marlowe who redefined the blonde bombshell, and her enduring presence on American television screens for over four decades.
