TV star Loni Anderson has passed away at the age of 79, just two days before what would have been her 80th birthday, following a prolonged battle with illness. Anderson, best known for her role as receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, died in a Los Angeles hospital on Sunday, surrounded by her family, her longtime publicist Cheryl J. Kagan confirmed to The Daily Beast. Anderson was due to celebrate her milestone birthday on August 5.
In a statement, her family said, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother.” Kagan added that Anderson passed away after an “acute, prolonged illness.” Anderson’s breakthrough role came in 1978 when she starred in the CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, a hit show that ran until 1982. Her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe earned her three Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nominations.
Beyond WKRP, Anderson’s career spanned TV, movies, and musical theater. Notable roles included starring in The Jayne Mansfield Story (1980), Stroker Ace (1983), The Lonely Guy (1984), and White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd (1991). She also reprised her iconic role as Jennifer Marlowe in the 1993 reboot The New WKRP in Cincinnati.
Loni’s most recent role was in Ladies of the ‘80s: A Divas Christmas in 2023, a TV comedy where she starred alongside Morgan Fairchild, Linda Gray, Donna Mills, and Nicollette Sheridan. “She continued working while facing her diagnosis with determination,” said Kagan. Tributes poured in from her colleagues and friends. Morgan Fairchild posted on X, expressing her sadness, “I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of the wonderful Loni Anderson! The sweetest, most gracious lady!”
Steve Sauer, her manager for 30 years, said, “Loni was a class act. Beautiful. Talented. Witty. ALWAYS a joy to be around. She was the ultimate working mother, balancing family and career. She will be forever missed.”
Barbara Eden, who starred in I Dream of Jeannie, also paid tribute, describing Anderson as “a real talent, with razor-smart wit and a glowing sense of humor… but, even more than that, she had an impeccable work ethic.” Eden added, “Loni, you were one in a trillion, my friend, and even a trillion more.”
Born Loni Kaye Anderson in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on August 5, 1945, she was married four times, including to actor Burt Reynolds from 1988 to 1994. The couple’s high-profile divorce made headlines, but Anderson later reconciled with Reynolds before his death in 2018.
Anderson is survived by her husband, musician Bob Flick, whom she married in 2008, as well as her daughter Deidra, son Quinton, and two grandchildren. Her family has asked for donations in her name to be made to the National Lung Health Education Program and the American Cancer Society, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to raising awareness for COPD.
A private family service will be held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, with a public Celebration of Life to take place later.