August 4, 2025 | Los Angeles — Loni Anderson, the iconic actress best known for her role as the glamorous and quick-witted Jennifer Marlowe on the hit sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has died at the age of 79. Her family confirmed the news in a brief statement released Monday morning.
Anderson passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones, according to a representative. No cause of death has yet been disclosed.
A Trailblazer on Television
Loni Anderson rose to fame in the late 1970s portraying the stylish and savvy receptionist at a fictional radio station in CBS’s WKRP in Cincinnati. Her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe broke stereotypes, offering viewers a character who was both beautiful and deeply competent — a combination rarely seen on TV at the time.
The role earned Anderson two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations, cementing her place in television history.
A Career Beyond ‘WKRP’
While WKRP defined her career, Anderson’s impact extended beyond a single show. She starred in various television movies and series throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Partners in Crime, Nurses, and appearances on The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. She also portrayed Jayne Mansfield in a biopic that drew critical acclaim.
Personal Life and Legacy
Off-screen, Anderson was known for her high-profile marriage to actor Burt Reynolds, with whom she adopted a son. Despite a turbulent divorce that captured tabloid headlines in the 1990s, Anderson remained a steadfast presence in Hollywood.
In recent years, she had become an advocate for lung disease awareness following her parents' health struggles and had quietly stepped away from acting.
Fans remember her not just for her iconic roles but for her poise, intelligence, and trailblazing influence as a woman in entertainment.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes from colleagues, fans, and fellow actors have flooded social media, celebrating Anderson’s humor, grace, and groundbreaking work on television. “She lit up the screen every time she appeared,” wrote one co-star. “A true original who redefined what it meant to be a leading lady in comedy.”
Loni Anderson is survived by her children and grandchildren. A private memorial service is expected to be held in Los Angeles in the coming days.