Emmy-nominated actress Loni Anderson passes away at 79

Actress Loni Anderson, best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on the hit sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has died at the age of 79.

Publicist Cheryl J. Kagan confirmed Anderson’s passing on Sunday in Los Angeles, stating she died at noon from “an acute prolonged illness.”

A two-time Emmy nominee, Anderson’s portrayal of the smart and glamorous receptionist on WKRP in Cincinnati made her a household name in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She also gained attention for her high-profile marriage to and public divorce from actor Burt Reynolds.

Over her career, Anderson took on a range of roles, including playing Jayne Mansfield in the 1980 television film The Jayne Mansfield Story and Thelma Todd in 1991’s White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd. She also starred in TV movie remakes of Leave Her to Heaven, Sorry, Wrong Number, and Three Coins in the Fountain.

Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1945, Anderson began her career in the 1970s with appearances in shows such as S.W.A.T., Police Woman, and Barnaby Jones. Her breakout came in 1978 when she was cast on WKRP in Cincinnati, a role she initially turned down before working with creator Hugh Wilson to shape Jennifer Marlowe into a sharp and savvy character.

Anderson is survived by her daughter, son, fourth husband Bob Flick, and several grandchildren and step-grandchildren.