Loni Anderson, the TV sex symbol known for sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, and who later went through a widely publicized divorce with Burt Reynolds, has died. She was 79.
Anderson died at a hospital in Los Angeles from a "prolonged illness," her publicist said.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement.
The actress became famous for playing receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, which aired on CBS from 1978 to 1982.
The shrewd and beautiful Marlowe played on the stereotype of the dim-witted "blonde bombshell." Anderson received three Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nods for the role.
“I was against being like a blond window dressing person, so I made my feelings known,” she told Australian television in 2017. “And, as we know, Jennifer was the smartest person in the room.” She added, “She just turned into a great groundbreaking kind of character for women to be glamorous and smart.”
Tributes are pouring in for Anderson, with former WKRP in Cincinnati co-star Tim Reid calling her a "most talented, beautiful and defiant woman."
Anderson had more than 60 acting credits, also appearing in shows like Swat, Three’s Company, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, The Bob Newhart Show, and more.
"Loni was a class act. Beautiful. Talented. Witty. ALWAYS a joy to be around," Steve Sauer, President/CEO Media Four and Anderson’s manager for 30 years, said in a statement. "She was the ultimate working mother. Family first…and maintained a great balance with her career. She and I had wonderful adventures together that I shall forever cherish. I will especially miss that infectious chuckle of hers. She will be forever missed."
Later in life, Anderson's life became tabloid fodder following an acrimonious split with Burt Reynolds. The couple started dating while filming the 1983 comedy film Stroker Ace.
The movie bombed, but the stars tied the knot in 1988. They adopted a son, Quinton, before divorcing in 1994. After years spent sniping at each other in the press, they eventually reconciled before Reynolds' death in 2018.
"We were friends first and friends last," Anderson told Closer Weekly in 2019. "It’s time to move on."
Anderson would marry four times throughout the course of her life. Her last husband, Bob Flick, was a founding member of the 1960s folk group the Brothers Four.
She is survived by her husband, her son Quinton, her daughter, Deidra Hoffman, her stepson, Adam Flick, two granddaughters, and two step-grandchildren.
