The beloved actress Loni Anderson, renowned for her captivating role as Jennifer Marlowe, the charming and intelligent receptionist in the iconic sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has sadly passed away at the age of 79. Reports from the Associated Press indicate that her death followed a prolonged illness, although further details regarding her passing have yet to be disclosed to the public.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the show, WKRP in Cincinnati is celebrated for being one of the most clever and entertaining comedies of its time. The series was set against the backdrop of a struggling FM radio station in Cincinnati and showcased a quirky ensemble of characters, including the hapless station manager Arthur Carlson (played by Gordon Jump), the by-the-book general manager Andy Travis (portrayed by Gary Sandy), and a cast of memorable DJs like Dr. Johnny Fever (played by Howard Hesseman) and Venus Flytrap (played by Tim Reid). Other significant characters included the slick ad salesman Herb Tarlek (played by Frank Bonner), the nervous news anchor Les Nessman (portrayed by Richard Sanders), and the dedicated reporter Bailey Quarters (played by Jan Smithers).
Among this talented cast, Anderson’s rise to fame was particularly swift and remarkable. Her portrayal of Jennifer—a stunning blonde who defied the stereotype of a “dumb blonde”—catapulted her into the spotlight, making her an instant sensation. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, she became a prominent pin-up icon, her celebrity status further magnified by her high-profile marriage to the charismatic actor Burt Reynolds, who was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars at the time. The couple starred together in the racing film Stoker Ace, but their tumultuous divorce in the 1990s kept them in the headlines and made them tabloid fixtures.
After her success with WKRP, Anderson continued to flourish in the television industry, taking on various roles in different series and TV movies. She even reprised her beloved character in a short-lived revival of WKRP. Unfortunately, due to costly music licensing challenges, WKRP has not achieved the same streaming success as many other classic shows. Nevertheless, certain episodes, such as the unforgettable “Turkeys Away,” have remained timeless gems in the world of comedy.
Sadly, Anderson was preceded in death by several of her WKRP co-stars, including Gordon Jump, Howard Hesseman, and Frank Bonner, as well as the show’s creator, Hugh Wilson. Their contributions to the series and the television landscape remain cherished by audiences.
She is survived by her loving husband, Bob Flick, a member of the folk music group The Brothers Four, along with her two children. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. May her legacy and contributions to entertainment be celebrated and remembered, and may she rest in peace.
