Loni Anderson, the beloved actress best known for her role as the quick-witted receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the hit sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has died. She passed away Sunday in a Los Angeles hospital following a prolonged illness, just days before her 80th birthday, her longtime publicist Cheryl J. Kagan confirmed.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement, News.Az reports, citing AP News.
Anderson rose to fame in the late 1970s through her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe, a glamorous and highly competent receptionist at a struggling Ohio radio station in WKRP in Cincinnati. The show aired from 1978 to 1982 and gained a devoted following. Her performance earned her two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.
Jennifer Marlowe became a television icon, challenging the stereotype of the “dumb blonde” with a character that blended beauty, intelligence, and sharp wit. Anderson’s role stood out in a cast that included Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner, and Jan Smithers.
In addition to her television success, Anderson appeared in several films, including Stroker Ace (1983) alongside actor Burt Reynolds. The two later married, becoming one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples before divorcing in 1994. Their adopted son, Quinton, remained a strong bond between them.
