Loni Anderson was a beloved figure, on and off the WKRP airwaves.
The Emmy-nominated actress, who starred as receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the classic sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died at age 79 at a Los Angeles hospital on Sunday, Aug. 3, following “an acute prolonged illness,” the actress’ representative Cheryl J. Kagan confirmed to USA TODAY. Anderson would have turned 80 on Aug. 5.
Anderson earned two Primetime Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nods for her performance as Marlowe during the four-year run of “WKRP.” Marlowe’s savvy blonde bombshell persona helped transform Anderson into a sex symbol of the late 1970s and early ’80s.
From fellow actresses Barbara Eden and Morgan Fairchild to MTV VJ Martha Quinn, here’s how stars are paying tribute to Anderson’s entertainment legacy.
Loni Anderson dies: Star of TV hit ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ was 79
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Barbara Eden
“I Dream of Jeannie” star Barbara Eden mourned the death of her “dear friend” Anderson in an emotional X post, which featured a photo of the actresses posing together.
“Like many, I am absolutely stunned and heartbroken,” Eden wrote. “Our friendship has spanned many years, and news like this is never easy to hear or accept.”
Eden added: “She was a real talent, with razor smart wit and a glowing sense of humor” and “an impeccable work ethic.” She ended: “Loni was a darling lady and a genuinely good person. … I am truly at a loss for words.”
Morgan Fairchild
Morgan Fairchild, who costarred with Anderson in the 2023 Lifetime movie “Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas,” shared a throwback photo of the women on the set of the holiday dramedy and called Anderson “one of the genuinely nicest ladies I’ve ever worked with.”
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of the wonderful Loni Anderson!” Fairchild wrote in another X post. “We did Bob Hope specials together and a Christmas movie two years ago. The sweetest, most gracious lady! I’m just devastated to hear this.”
Loni Love
Actress and comedian Loni Love reflected that she was “very sad to hear about the passing of Loni Anderson,” who she affectionately described as a childhood idol in an X post.
“I grew up watching this queen and was so thrilled to meet her,” wrote Love alongside a photo of the pair. “Condolences to her family and fans.”
Martha Quinn
TV personality and original MTV VJ Martha Quinn paid tribute to Anderson and her portrayal of Marlowe on “WKRP in Cincinnati.”
“An iconic character especially to radio geeks like me,” Quinn wrote on X. “My deepest condolences to her loved ones, who number many.”
Robert Hays
“Angie” and “Airplane!” star Robert Hays gushed that Anderson was a “dear friend” in his tribute to the late TV star.
“She was an absolutely wonderful woman and friend, a wife, mother and grandmother,” Hays wrote in an X post. “Loni is singing with the angels now.”
Contributing: Kim Willis, USA TODAY
