Batesville, AR – Loni Anderson, best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on the television series “WKRP in Cincinnati,” passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at a Los Angeles hospital. She was 79 years old, just two days shy of her 80th birthday. The announcement was made by her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, who cited a “prolonged” illness as the cause of death. The news was confirmed as of 07:38 PM CDT, Sunday, August 03, 2025.
Born Loni Kaye Anderson on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to an environmental chemist father and a model mother, Anderson grew up in suburban Roseville. Her acting career began with a small role in the 1966 film “Nevada Smith” starring Steve McQueen. She moved to Los Angeles in 1975, securing guest appearances on shows like “S.W.A.T.” and “Police Woman” before landing her breakout role. From 1978 to 1982, Anderson portrayed the savvy receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on “WKRP in Cincinnati,” a sitcom about a struggling Ohio radio station. Her performance, blending intelligence with charm, earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.
Anderson’s career extended beyond television, including roles in films like “Stroker Ace” (1983) alongside Burt Reynolds, whom she married in 1988. The couple, who adopted a son, Quinton, in 1988, divorced in 1994 after a highly publicized split. She later married musician Bob Flick in 2008, her fourth husband. Anderson also appeared in TV movies such as “The Jayne Mansfield Story” and “White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd,” and in 2023, she starred in “Ladies of the 80s: A Divas Christmas” with fellow actresses. She is survived by Flick, her daughter Deidra from her first marriage, son Quinton, and several grandchildren and step-grandchildren.
Her family released a statement saying, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother.” Colleagues, including Morgan Fairchild, expressed sorrow, with Fairchild noting on social media, “I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of the wonderful Loni Anderson!” Anderson’s legacy includes her advocacy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) awareness, influenced by her experience caring for her parents with the condition.
