Loni Anderson, the actress best known for playing Jennifer Marlowe on the classic sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has died at the age of 79.
Her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, confirmed she passed away at a Los Angeles hospital after a prolonged illness.
Her family was by her side.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, they said: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.”
Anderson rose to fame in the late 1970s as the smart and glamorous receptionist in WKRP in Cincinnati.
The role earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nods.
Over a career spanning four decades, she appeared in SWAT, Three’s Company, The Incredible Hulk, The Love Boat, and The Bob Newhart Show.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Anderson moved to Los Angeles in 1975 to pursue acting.
She quickly became a star, known for her beauty, wit, and talent.
In a 2021 interview with Fox News Digital, she said: “I remember we all did posters back then. Because someday my grandchildren will look at this. And I’ll be able to tell them that I really looked like that. What you saw is what you got.
“I had this discussion with Ann-Margret. Will there ever be a time when our names won’t be followed by ‘bombshell’ or ‘sex symbol?’
“I never thought I would be Loni Anderson, sex symbol. But I embrace it… And my granddaughters think it’s a hoot!”
In 1982, she starred with Burt Reynolds in Stroker Ace.
They married in 1988 and adopted a son, Quinton.
The couple divorced in 1994. Years later, she shared they had reconciled before Reynolds’ death in 2018.
“We were friends first and friends last. It’s time to move on,” she told Closer Weekly in 2019. We have this wonderful child together… everything revolved around him.”
In addition to her acting career, Anderson wrote a bestselling memoir in 1995 titled My Life in Heels.
She also remained active in theater. Her longtime manager, Steve Sauer, paid tribute, saying: “Loni was a class act. Beautiful. Talented. Witty. ALWAYS a joy to be around.”
“She and I had wonderful adventures together that I shall forever cherish. I will especially miss that infectious chuckle of hers. She will be forever missed.”
In 2008, Anderson married Bob Flick, a founding member of the folk group The Brothers Four.
She is survived by Flick, her daughter Deidra, son-in-law Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, and grandchildren McKenzie and Megan.
She also leaves behind stepson Adam Flick and step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
A private service will be held at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
A public Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
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