Actress Loni Anderson, who starred as receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, died on Sunday at the age of 79.
Her cause of death is from “an acute prolonged illness,” Anderson’s publicist Cheryl J. Kagan said, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Newsweek reached out to Anderson’s representative via email for comment on Monday.
Why It Matters
Anderson’s role on CBS‘ WKRP in Cincinnati catapulted her to stardom. The sitcom, which aired from 1978 until 1982, earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.
The actress went on to star in films like A Night at the Roxbury, All Dogs Go to Heaven and Stroker Ace, where she fell in love with her co-star Burt Reynolds. The pair later married in 1988 and divorced in 1994.
What To Know
Anderson died on August 3 at a Los Angeles hospital just days before her 80th birthday.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement, The Associated Press reported.
In an interview with Fox News in 2021, Anderson addressed her sex symbol status on WKRP in Cincinnati.
“I remember we all did posters back then. Everybody always asks me, ‘What made you do a poster?'” she recalled. “I would say, ‘Because someday my grandchildren will look at this. And I’ll be able to tell them that I really looked like that.’ What you saw is what you got.”
The Minnesota native added: “I never thought I would be Loni Anderson, sex symbol. But I embrace it. I think I was lucky enough to have been able to play so many different things and sex symbol was a part of it. I took whatever my career threw at me.”
Actress Loni Anderson poses in photo shoot on September 17,1986, in Los Angeles. Actress Loni Anderson poses in photo shoot on September 17,1986, in Los Angeles. Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images
What People Are Saying
Steve Sauer, president and CEO of Media Four and Anderson’s manager for three decades, said in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter: “Loni was a class act. Beautiful. Talented. Witty. ALWAYS a joy to be around. She was the ultimate working mother. Family first … and maintained a great balance with her career. She and I had wonderful adventures together that I shall forever cherish. I will especially miss that infectious chuckle of hers.”
I Dream of Jeannie star Barbara Eden penned a sweet tribute to her “dear friend” on X: “The news just came through that my dear friend Loni Anderson has passed. Like many, I am absolutely stunned and heartbroken. Our friendship has spanned many years, and news like this is never easy to hear or accept.”
“What can I say about Loni that everyone doesn’t already know? 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 … I am truly at a loss for words.”
“My condolences to her family, her husband Bob, and her children, Deidra and Quinton. Loni, you were one in a trillion, my friend, and even a trillion more.”
Morgan Fairchild, who starred alongside Anderson in the 2023 Lifetime movie Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas, wrote via X: “I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of the wonderful Loni Anderson! We did Bob Hope specials together & a Christmas movie 2 years ago. The sweetest, most gracious lady! I’m just devastated to hear this. Love & condolences to Bob (who was on set every day w her) & her kids and grandkids, who she adored. #RIPLoniAnderson”
Airplane! actor Robert Hays posted to X: “Today, my dear friend Loni Anderson passed away. She was an absolutely wonderful woman and friend, a wife, mother and grandmother. Love and condolences to Bob, Deidra, Quintin, and all the grandkids. Loni is singing with the angels now. God bless her.”
Comedian Loni Love said on X: “Very sad to hear about the passing of Loni Anderson.. I grew up watching this Queen and was so thrilled to meet her.. condolences to her family and fans.”
What Happens Next?
Anderson’s funeral plans have not been publicly announced.
She is survived by her husband, Bob Flick, daughter Deidra, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, stepson Adam Flick, her two granddaughters and two step-grandchildren.
