Loni Anderson, popular 1980s actor, dies two days before her 80th birthday; all you need to know about her

Economic Times

a day ago

Loni Anderson, famed for 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' passed away just before her 80th birthday. She was known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe. The actor died in a Los Angeles hospital after a long illness. Anderson's family expressed their heartbreak. She is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her role earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
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Loni Anderson's key role in 'WKRP in Cincinnati'
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Loni Anderson's big screen journey
Loni Anderson's autobiography
Loni Anderson, who was a popular actor of the 1980s, died on Sunday (August 3, 2025). She passed away just days before her 80th birthday, which was on August 5The actor was well known for playing a struggling radio station's empowered receptionist on the hit TV comedy 'WKRP in Cincinnati.'Anderson died at a Los Angeles hospital following a 'prolonged' illness, said her long-time publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan. Anderson's family, in a statement, said, 'We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother,' as quoted by news agency AP.The actor is survived by her husband, Bob Flick; 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.'WKRP in Cincinnati' aired from 1978 to 1982 and was set in a flagging Ohio radio station trying to reinvent itself with rock music. The cast included Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner, and Jan Smithers, alongside Anderson as the sexy and smart Jennifer Marlowe.As the station's receptionist, the blonde and high-heeled Jennifer used her sex appeal to deflect unwanted business calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson. Her efficiency often kept the station running in the face of others' incompetence. The role earned Anderson two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.Anderson starred on the big screen alongside Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy 'Stroker Ace,' and the two later married and became tabloid fixtures before divorcing in 1994.The actor wrote a 1995 autobiography, 'My Life in High Heels,' which she said was about 'the growth of a woman, a woman who survives. It's about my childhood, the death of my parents, my career, my divorces, and my children. Then, of course, the trauma of my marriage to Burt.''I think if you're going to write about yourself, you have to do it warts and all,' Anderson told The Associated Press. 'You may not even tell the nicest things about yourself, because you're telling the truth.'