Home #Hwoodtimes Loni Anderson, Beloved Actress and Icon, Dead at 79

Loni Anderson, Beloved Actress and Icon, Dead at 79

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By Valerie Milano

Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 8/3/25 – Loni Anderson, best known for her role as the glamorous and sharp-witted receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the hit sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has died at the age of 79.

Loni Anderson (Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

A fixture of television in the late 1970s and ’80s, Anderson’s blend of comedic timing and charm made her a household name and earned her multiple award nominations. Beyond WKRP, her career spanned decades with appearances in film, TV movies, and guest spots on popular shows.

Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Anderson also made headlines for her high-profile marriage to actor Burt Reynolds. Off-screen, she was a passionate advocate for COPD awareness and children’s health initiatives.

She is remembered not only for her iconic roles but also for her resilience, humor, and grace.

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Valerie Milano
2025 Palm Springs Pride Stonewall Art & Culture Award recipient, Valerie Milano is a Senior Editor and entertainment critic at The Hollywood Times, where she covers film, television, music, and the artists behind the stories. Her work has also appeared in Communications Daily, Discover Hollywood, Hollywood Today, Television International, and Video Age International. A passionate advocate for community and equality, Valerie is actively involved with Human Rights Campaign, DAP Health, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, Lambda Legal, and The L-Fund. In recognition of her ongoing leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to empowering women and the LGBTQ+ community in the Coachella Valley and beyond, Valerie received The L-Fund’s prestigious Community Visionary Award. The honor celebrated her tireless work as a journalist, media advocate, event producer, and community connector who consistently uses her platform to spotlight charitable causes, arts and culture, and organizations making a difference. She is a proud member of the Los Angeles Press Club and a longtime supporter of Palm Springs cultural institutions including the Palm Springs Art Museum. She previously served as a board member and key organizer of the Television Critics Association Press Tours, helping bridge the entertainment industry and press for many years.