Loni Anderson, Beloved ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ Star, Dies at 79
Loni Anderson, widely remembered as the clever and glamorous Jennifer Marlowe on the late 1970s sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, passed away on August 3, 2025. Her death, at 79, followed a prolonged illness, just two days before what would have been her 80th birthday. The news, announced by longtime publicist Cheryl J. Kagan, left fans mourning a true television icon Wikipedia+15ajc+15ABC7 Los Angeles+15.
Early Life & Breakthrough Role
Born August 5, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Anderson began her entertainment journey with early television guest spots and small film roles. In 1978, she landed the role that would define her career: Jennifer Marlowe, the bright, capable receptionist at a struggling Cincinnati radio station. With her natural charm, sharp wit, and effervescent presence, Anderson balanced sex appeal with brains—challenging sitcom stereotypes of the time Spokesman-Review.
Her character appeared on WKRP in Cincinnati from 1978 to 1982. Anderson earned two Emmy and three Golden Globe nominations for the role, helping the show earn multiple Emmy nods over its four-season CBS run EW.com+1The Daily Beast+1.
Why Jennifer Marlowe Still Matters
Though she often wore heels and blonde curls, Jennifer Marlowe was no stereotype. Anderson infused the character with confidence, intelligence, and grace. Fans admired that Jennifer could handle demanding callers, shield her quirky boss Mr. Carlson, and navigate office politics with flair—all while staying one step ahead of her colleagues’ antics.
Anderson once noted that women adored the fact she married being smart with being sexy—something rare in 1978 television comedy Newsweek+6Spokesman-Review+6ABC7 Los Angeles+6ajc.
Career Beyond WKRP
After WKRP, Anderson continued acting. She starred in the short-run sitcom Easy Street, made TV movies like The Jayne Mansfield Story, and appeared on shows including Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and Nurses. In film, she co-starred with Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy EW.com+7hellomagazine.com+7People.com+7.
She published her memoir My Life in High Heels in 1995, sharing candid stories about her personal and professional life. In recent years, she also advocated for COPD awareness, drawing attention to the lung condition she battled later in life The Times of India+4EW.com+4The Sun+4.
Passing & Tributes
Loni Anderson passed in a Los Angeles hospital after an unspecified “acute prolonged illness.” Her husband, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren survive her. Her family described her as a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Colleagues like Barbara Eden and Morgan Fairchild paid tribute to her warmth, professionalism, and kindness upon hearing the news The Washington Post+9ajc+9The Daily Beast+9.
Legacy & Cultural Impact
Anderson transformed sitcom history. She gave us Jennifer Marlowe: an empowered woman who used humor and intellect to reshape expectations of what a female TV character could be. WKRP in Cincinnati remained a cultural touchstone because of her grounded yet glamorous portrayal.
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Top Highlights of Her Career
- Jennifer Marlowe, WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982) – Emmy- and Golden Globe–nominated role
- Film: Stroker Ace (1983), co-starring Burt Reynolds
- TV movies: The Jayne Mansfield Story, White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd
- Guest roles: Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Nurses, Pol… & more
Final Thoughts
Loni Anderson’s passing in 2025 reminds us that television can shape culture—and characters like Jennifer Marlowe still matter decades later. She combined glamour and smarts in a way that felt authentic and groundbreaking at the same time.