Beloved for her role as a radio station receptionist on WKRP in Cincinnati, Loni Anderson earned two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nods.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” the Anderson family shared in a heartfelt statement. And with those words, one of television’s most enduring stars slipped away. Loni Anderson, adored by millions for playing the glamorous and witty receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the 1980s sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has passed away at 79. Sources close to the family say she died peacefully at home, surrounded by those she loved. No official cause of death has been made public.
Born Loni Kaye Anderson in Saint Paul, Minnesota, she first captured hearts with her sharp comedic timing and effortless screen presence. But it was WKRP that truly catapulted her into the spotlight. In the late 1970s and early ’80s, a television landscape dominated by male-centric comedies suddenly had a female voice that was confident, witty, and unapologetically smart. Jennifer Marlowe wasn’t just eye candy—she was the smartest, most capable person in the room.
That role made Loni Anderson WKRP a household name virtually overnight. While the show ran for just four seasons—from 1978 to 1982—it left a lasting legacy thanks in part to Anderson’s nuanced performance. She didn’t play up the glamor—she inhabited it, often delivering the sharpest lines with a calm composure and a knowing glance. And that turned into Emmy and Golden Globe acclaim: two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nods, honors that reflected her talent as much as her charisma.
Beyond WKRP
Anderson’s career continued long after her radio station days ended. She appeared in TV shows and films across decades, including titles like S.W.A.T., Three on a Date, Three’s Company, The Incredible Hulk, The Love Boat, The Bob Newhart Show, and Police Woman. Each role showcased her versatility—she wasn’t just stuck in one typecast box.
In 1995 she published her autobiography, My Life in High Heels, a sometimes raw and honest memoir. “It’s about the growth of a woman, a woman who survives,” Anderson explained in interviews. Within its pages, she recounted her childhood, the death of her parents, her marriages, and the turbulence of her well-publicized marriage to movie star Burt Reynolds. “I think if you’re going to write about yourself, you have to do it warts and all,” she told the Associated Press. “You may not even tell the nicest things about yourself, because you’re telling the truth.” That honesty, both on and off screen, was part of what made her relatable to so many fans.
Remembering Loni
Tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike. Christopher Fairchild posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of the wonderful Loni Anderson! The sweetest, most gracious lady! I’m just devastated to hear this.”
That sentiment echoed widely. Generations of viewers looked back fondly at WKRP reruns and interviews, remembering Jennifer Marlowe not just as a character, but as a friend visiting on the TV. And for many, Anderson was a reminder of television at its most charming, sharp, and intelligent.
Why She Still Matters
It’s easy to remember Anderson for her beauty and her wardrobe, but what made her performance on WKRP enduring was the depth she brought to a character that could have been one-note. Jennifer Marlowe was the definition of chic—but she was also compassionate, clever, and unflinchingly grounded.
She challenged expectations during an era when women on TV were often written as love interests or decorative foils. Jennifer was all of those things, plus a woman whose best days were often the ones when she subtly saved the day behind a desk. That blend of intellect and charm is rare—and that’s why Loni Anderson lives on in fans’ memories.
Final Thoughts
Loni Anderson’s death is more than a farewell to a TV star—it’s the passing of an era. At a time when sitcoms felt simpler, and television characters could inspire both laughter and admiration, she stood out. She showed how intelligence and humor could go hand in hand with elegance and grace.
She will be deeply missed by her family—husband Bob, daughter Deidra and her husband Charlie, son Quinton, her grandchildren, and extended family. But she’ll also be mourned by generations of fans who still remember Jennifer’s entrance into the newsroom, her perfectly timed one-liners, and the way she made you feel like you were in on an inside joke.
Whether you think of her as Jennifer from WKRP, Burt Reynolds’ former wife, or simply as Loni Anderson, her impact on television—and so many lives—was indelible. She showed us strength and warmth, smarts and humor, all while wearing heels. And in the end, that’s the legacy of a true star.
