WKRP's Jennifer Marlowe: Loni Anderson, Iconic Actress and Burt Reynolds' Ex-Wife, Dies at 79
SHOCKING CELEBRITY PASSING!
Loni Anderson, the ravishing redhead who sizzled as Jennifer Marlowe on the hit CBS comedy WKRP in Cincinnati, has left this world behind at the ripe age of 79. According to her rep, she passed away on Sunday, just a few days shy of her 80th birthday.
But don't let her advanced age fool you - Loni was still sizzling hot, even in her final days! Her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, revealed that the legendary actress had been battling a "prolonged illness" at a Los Angeles hospital before her untimely demise.
Loni's family released a heartfelt statement expressing their devastation: "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother." But we're guessing it's not just Loni's family who's feeling the pain - Burt Reynolds' ex-wife is going to be greatly missed!
The stunning beauty was married to Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds from 1988 to 1994, during which time they were tabloid fixtures. Their on-again, off-again romance and subsequent divorce made headlines everywhere!
Loni's rise to fame began when she landed the role of Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, a show that aired from 1978 to 1982. The series followed the misadventures of a struggling Ohio radio station trying to reinvent itself with rock music. And Loni was at the forefront of it all - literally!
As the station's receptionist, Jennifer Marlowe used her devastating looks and charm to deflect unwanted business calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson. But don't be fooled - this was no shrinking violet! Behind those big blue eyes and blonde locks lay a sharp-tongued, quick-witted woman who kept the station running in the face of chaos.
Loni's Emmy-nominated performance earned her two nods for Best Supporting Actress and cemented her status as a comedy legend. And let's not forget about her film work! She starred alongside Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy Stroker Ace, which... well, let's just say it was an interesting ride.
In her 1995 autobiography My Life in High Heels, Loni spilled all the tea on her life - from her childhood to her marriages and everything in between. She wrote about the trauma of her marriage to Burt Reynolds (because who doesn't love a good scandal?) and shared some juicy details about their relationship.
"I think if you're going to write about yourself, you have to do it warts and all," Loni told The Associated Press at the time. "You may not even tell the nicest things about yourself because you're telling the truth." And we can attest that she certainly did!
But Loni's life wasn't just about her work - or her marriages (although, let's be real, they were a big part of it). She was also a devoted mother and grandmother. Her family is survived by her husband Bob Flick, daughter Deidra, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and wife Helene, and two adorable step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
Rest in peace, Loni! Your sass, your sparkle, and your unforgettable performances will be deeply missed by fans everywhere.