Loni Anderson, who plays the authorized receptionist for a struggling radio station in the hit TV comedy WKRP in Cincinnatidied on Sunday, just a few days before her 80th birthday.
Her long-time publicist Cheryl J.
“We are heartbroken and announce the death of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement.
WKRP in CincinnatiAired from 1978-82, set on a lagging Ohio radio station, trying to reinvent itself with rock music. Actors include Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner, Tim Reid, Gordon Jump, Jan Smithers and Gary Sandy, along with Anderson, the sexy and smart Jennifer Marlowe.
As the station’s receptionist, blonde high-heeled Jennifer uses her sexual attraction to deflect unnecessary business appeals, her boss, Mr. Carlson, plays the high jump. Her efficiency usually makes the station incompetent to others.
The role was nominated for two Emmy Awards and three Golden Globes.
Anderson starred in the big screen with Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy Stroker Acethe two later got married and became tabloid fixtures before divorce in 1994.
Anderson’s husband, Bob Flick, daughter, Deidra, son, Quinton and two grandchildren survived.
