Iconic ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ star Loni Anderson dies at age 79

Loni Anderson, the beloved actress renowned for her role as Jennifer Marlowe in the hit TV sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati,” has passed away at the age of 79 in Los Angeles. According to her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, Anderson succumbed to a prolonged illness just days before her 80th birthday, as reported by The New York Times. Her passing marks the end of an era for fans who admired her groundbreaking television achievements and public persona.

Anderson's career catapulted to fame when she landed the role of Jennifer Marlowe on “WKRP in Cincinnati.” The sitcom aired from 1978 to 1982 and showcased Anderson's ability to blend glamour with intelligence. As she stated in a 2017 Australian TV interview, "Jennifer was the smartest person in the room." Her portrayal earned her three Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nominations, cementing her status as a television icon, according to the Washington Post.

Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Anderson pursued acting after initially working as a teacher. She chronicled her life and career challenges in her 1995 memoir, My Life in High Heels. Her early struggles included transitioning from community theater in Minneapolis to acting opportunities in Los Angeles, noted the Washington Post.

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Beyond her television success, Anderson's personal life frequently captured media attention. Her highly publicized marriage and subsequent divorce from actor Burt Reynolds remained a topic of tabloid scrutiny for years. Despite their contentious split, Anderson later remarked, "We were friends first and friends last," as reported by Yahoo.

According to Yahoo Entertainment, Anderson's net worth was estimated at $13 million in 2025, a testament to her enduring impact in the entertainment industry. In a heartfelt statement, her family expressed sorrow and pride by affirming that she was more than an actor—she was a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother.