Loni Anderson, the twice Emmy-nominated star of WKRP in Cincinnati, has died at the age of 79, according to multiple media reports.
Her cause of death was listed as “an acute prolonged illness,” her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, told the Associated Press.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement.
Anderson is best known for her role as the clever receptionist Jennifer Marlowe in CBS’ sitcom about the eccentric staff of a struggling Top 40 rock radio station in Ohio. Created by Hugh Wilson, the multi-cam comedy ran from 1978 through 1982, and Anderson’s ultra-capable employee appeared in all but one of the series’ 90 episodes. Her bombshell character cemented her as a bona fide TV sex symbol and subverted stereotypical “dumb blonde” tropes, as Jennifer remained savvy among a team of often incompetent coworkers, refusing to do typical receptionist chores like fetch coffee or take dictation. For her work, Anderson garnered two Emmy nominations in 1980 and 1981 for Supporting Actress in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series.
More…