LOS ANGELES (AP) — Loni Anderson, the acclaimed actress best known for her iconic role as the empowered receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the hit TV comedy “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died Sunday in a Los Angeles hospital. She was 79 years old, just days shy of her 80th birthday on August 5, 1945. Anderson passed away following a prolonged illness, as confirmed by her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan.
Her family released a statement expressing their profound grief, saying, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.” Anderson’s career spanned decades, marking her as a familiar and beloved face in American television, particularly throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. Her indelible portrayal on “WKRP in Cincinnati” cemented her status as a cultural fixture.
“WKRP in Cincinnati” originally aired from 1978 to 1982, captivating audiences with its unique premise. The CBS sitcom centered on a struggling Ohio radio station that sought to reinvent itself by transitioning to a rock music format. Anderson’s character, Jennifer Marlowe, quickly became a standout, known for her striking good looks and equally sharp intelligence.
As the station’s receptionist, the blonde and high-heeled Jennifer was routinely depicted deflecting unwanted business calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson, played by Gordon Jump. Her remarkable efficiency and shrewdness often proved instrumental in keeping the station operational, even in the face of the other characters’ frequent incompetence. This role was a significant highlight in Anderson’s career, showcasing her comedic timing and depth.
Anderson’s compelling performance as Jennifer Marlowe garnered her widespread critical acclaim. She earned two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations for her work on the series. Her portrayal was pivotal in challenging prevalent stereotypes, particularly the “dumb blonde” trope that was common in media at the time.
During the development of the character, Anderson herself insisted that Jennifer Marlowe be rewritten from a stereotypical portrayal. She expressed strong feelings about this, stating, “I felt it was important for the character to not just be a blonde.” She famously added, “Jennifer was the smartest person in the room,” underscoring her character’s intellectual prowess.
This deliberate character development transformed Jennifer into a “groundbreaking kind of character for women to be glamorous and smart,” as Anderson described it. Her role on “WKRP in Cincinnati” became her breakout performance, ultimately helping to establish her as a prominent sex symbol of the era. A pinup photograph of Anderson in a skimpy white bikini became one of the best-selling posters of the 1970s, further cementing her status.
Years after the initial run of “WKRP in Cincinnati,” Anderson reprised her celebrated character in a sequel series. She appeared in two episodes of “The New WKRP in Cincinnati,” which aired between 1991 and 1992, allowing fans to revisit the enduring appeal of Jennifer Marlowe.
Born Loni Kaye Anderson on August 5, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Klaydon Carl Anderson, an environmental chemist, and Maxine Hazel Kallin, a model. Her early foray into the entertainment world began on the beauty pageant circuit, where she achieved recognition as a runner-up in the Miss Minnesota competition.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/loni-anderson-tout-021225-b3afed16bbee449499051dc41cdc76e1.jpg)
Beyond that, she also collected a series of other regional titles, including Miss Thermo-Jac Clothing, Miss County Style Ford, and Queen of the Hole-In-One. These early experiences provided her with an initial platform in the public eye. Anderson further pursued her interests by studying art at the University of Minnesota.
Her transition to an acting career began with appearances in local commercials and theater shows. Anderson’s personal life also saw significant developments during this period. After her first marriage to Bruce Hasselberg, she married fellow actor Ross Bickell, and together they made the pivotal move to Los Angeles in 1975 to chase their aspirations of stardom within the burgeoning film and television industry.
Initially, Anderson was born a brunette, but as her career evolved and she secured minor roles in the 1970s, she dyed her dark hair platinum blonde. This striking change helped to define her public image, though she reportedly harbored conflicted feelings about it at first. She worried that the blonde hair might prevent her from being taken seriously as an actress.
Her first credited acting role was a small part in the 1966 film “Nevada Smith,” starring the legendary Steve McQueen. Despite this early start, it took nearly a decade for her career to gain substantial momentum. By the mid-1970s, she began to make regular guest appearances on various television series.
Her extensive early television credits included roles on popular shows such as “S.W.A.T.,” “Police Woman,” “Barnaby Jones,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “The Invisible Man,” “Harry O,” “Phyllis,” and “Police Story.” She was even in contention for the role of Chrissy Snow on “Three’s Company,” though the part ultimately went to Suzanne Somers. However, her audition led to guest appearances in two episodes of that show, further boosting her visibility.
Following her breakout success on “WKRP in Cincinnati,” Anderson maintained a steady and prolific presence across both television and film. She became widely recognized as the “Queen of Made-for-TV Movies,” a testament to her frequent and memorable appearances in television films. These included titles such as “A Letter to Three Wives” and “White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd,” as well as “Deadly Family Secrets” in 1995.
