Loni Anderson: Life, Career, and Legacy

Los Angeles, August 3, 2025 — Loni Anderson, the beloved television actress who rose to fame as the glamorous receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the hit CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has died at the age of 79. She passed away peacefully in a Los Angeles hospital following an acute, prolonged illness, just two days shy of her 80th birthday on August 5.

The news was confirmed by Anderson’s longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, who shared that the actress had been surrounded by family during her final moments. Multiple reputable media outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, AP News, Entertainment Weekly, and People, have corroborated the details of her passing.

Born on August 5, 1945, Loni Anderson carved a place for herself in television history with her role as Jennifer Marlowe from 1978 to 1982. The character, a sharp, intelligent, and poised receptionist at a struggling radio station in Cincinnati, made Anderson a household name and earned her several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Beyond WKRP, Anderson’s career spanned decades, with memorable appearances in shows like Partners in Crime, Nurses, and Easy Street. She also portrayed legendary bombshell Jayne Mansfield in the 1980 made-for-TV movie The Jayne Mansfield Story, further showcasing her range as an actress.

Anderson’s life off-screen often mirrored the glamour and intrigue of her characters. She was famously married to actor Burt Reynolds from 1988 to 1994, a relationship that captured national attention. The couple adopted a son, Quinton, during their marriage. After their divorce, Anderson later found lasting companionship with musician Bob Flick, founding member of the folk group The Brothers Four, whom she married in 2008.

She is survived by Flick, her daughter Deidra from a previous relationship, son Quinton, several grandchildren, and an extended circle of family and friends who have expressed profound grief in the wake of her death.

According to statements released by her family and publicist, a private memorial service will be held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, a resting place for many of Hollywood’s most iconic figures.

Fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry have begun to share heartfelt tributes on social media, honoring Anderson’s talent, grace, and trailblazing presence in television. As one of the most recognizable stars of late-70s and early-80s television, her legacy remains deeply etched in the fabric of American pop culture.

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