Loni Anderson, the actress best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has died. She was 79.
Anderson passed away peacefully at her home, according to a statement from her family. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Anderson began her career in local theater before moving into television and film. She gained national recognition in 1978 with her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe, the smart and poised receptionist at a fictional radio station on WKRP in Cincinnati. The role challenged existing stereotypes of women on television at the time and earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Beyond WKRP, Anderson worked steadily across television, film, and made-for-TV movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Her credits included appearances on Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, Partners in Crime, and Nurses. She also portrayed Jayne Mansfield in the 1980 television movie The Jayne Mansfield Story, co-starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Off-screen, Anderson was known for her advocacy work. She supported lung disease awareness initiatives, influenced in part by her parents’ health struggles, and was active in promoting caregiver support services.
Her personal life often drew media attention, particularly her marriage to actor Burt Reynolds in the 1980s. The couple’s relationship, divorce, and custody battle were highly publicized. Despite the scrutiny, Anderson maintained a consistent presence in the entertainment industry.
In later years, she made guest appearances on various shows and participated in tributes to classic television, embracing her role in pop culture history.
Anderson is survived by her children and grandchildren. Her family described her as “a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and a professional who loved her craft.”
Her death marks the passing of a prominent figure from a distinctive era of American television.
