LOS ANGELES, California — Loni Anderson, who in the 1970s became one of TV’s most popular stars with her role as a receptionist on “WKRP in Cincinnati,” has died at the age of 79, reports say.
A representative for Anderson tells USA Today the actress died at noon Sunday in a hospital in Los Angeles after “an acute prolonged illness.”
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement.
Anderson was born on Aug. 5, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, according to IMDB.com. Her first TV acting credit is in two episodes of “S.W.A.T.” in 1975.
She continued to get small roles in several popular TV shows, including “Barnaby Jones,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “The Incredible Hulk,” and “Three’s Company.”
In 1978 she was offered the role of receptionist Jennifer Marlowe in “WKRP in Cincinnati.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, she initially had no interest in the part, refusing to play the part of a stereotypical blonde receptionist.
She accepted the roe when she was allowed to portray Jennifer as highly intelligent and independent, refusing to fetch coffee or take dictation. Her efficiency often kept the station running in the face of others’ incompetence.
Anderson stayed with the show during its entire run, which ended in 1982. It made her a TV superstar, earning her two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.
It also made her a favorite topic of the tabloids, especially during her relationship with movie star Burt Reynolds, one of her four husbands. She is survived by her current husband, Bob Flick, whom she married in 2008.
Despite her popularity, Anderson never starred in another major TV series, but she did appear in several made-for-TV movies. Her final credited appearance was in 2023 in “Ladies of the ‘80s: A Divas Christmas.”
Tributes to Anderson were spreading on social media Sunday night.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of the wonderful Loni Anderson!” actress Morgan Fairchild wrote on social media. “The sweetest, most gracious lady! I’m just devastated to hear this.”
“Like many, I am absolutely stunned and heartbroken,” actress Barbara Eden wrote on social media. “Our friendship has spanned many years and news like this is never easy to hear or accept.
“… She was a real talent, with razor smart wit and a glowing sense of humor … but, even more than that, she had an impeccable work ethic. Even beyond that, Loni was a darling lady and a genuinely good person.”
Anderson also is survived by her daughter Deidra and son-in law Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and wife Helene, and step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
