Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Actress

Loni Anderson

Loni Anderson was an American actress best known for playing Jennifer Marlowe on the CBS sitcom *WKRP in Cincinnati*.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Loni Anderson was an American actress best known for playing Jennifer Marlowe on the CBS sitcom *WKRP in Cincinnati*. She died in 2025 at age 79.

What it is

Loni Anderson was born Loni Kaye Anderson on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She rose to fame as the glamorous receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on *WKRP in Cincinnati* from 1978 to 1982, a role that earned her three Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nominations.

Why it matters

Her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe became a cultural touchstone, blending wit and warmth. The role made her a household name and opened doors to film and television work, including *Stroker Ace* and *The Jayne Mansfield Story*. Canadian audiences knew her through reruns and international broadcasts.

Key details

Anderson was married four times, including to actor Burt Reynolds, and had two children. She died in Los Angeles on August 3, 2025, two days before her 80th birthday, after a prolonged illness.

In short

  • Best known as Jennifer Marlowe on *WKRP in Cincinnati*.
  • Nominated for three Golden Globes and two Emmys.
  • Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1945.
  • Died in 2025 at age 79.
Canadian angle

Loni Anderson was known to Canadian audiences through reruns and international broadcast of *WKRP in Cincinnati* and other television appearances.

Quick questions

Who was Loni Anderson?
Loni Anderson was an American actress best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on *WKRP in Cincinnati*.
What awards was Loni Anderson nominated for?
She received three Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nominations for her role on *WKRP in Cincinnati*.
When did Loni Anderson die?
She died on August 3, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loni_Anderson
    Supports: Birth name, birth and death dates, nationality, best-known role, and award nominations.
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/a45909331/loni-anderson
    Supports: Breakthrough role, later film work, marriage to Burt Reynolds, and death in 2025.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/loni-anderson-dead-wkrp-in-cincinnati-1236336519/
    Supports: Death in Los Angeles in 2025 and recognition for *WKRP in Cincinnati*.
  4. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/anderson-loni-1945
    Supports: Full name, birthplace, family background, marriages, and children.