Remembering Loni Anderson: The ’80s TV Icon from ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ Passes Away at 79

It’s always a bit of a gut punch when we lose someone who felt like part of the family through our TV screens.

Loni Anderson, that unforgettable blonde bombshell who stole hearts as the sassy receptionist on “WKRP in Cincinnati,” left us on Sunday in a Los Angeles hospital. She was just a handful of days away from turning 80, according to her longtime publicist Cheryl J. Kagan, who shared the news with the Associated Press. Apparently, she’d been dealing with a long illness, though details weren’t spilled.

For those of us who grew up in the ’70s and ’80s, Loni was more than just an actress—she was a trailblazer. Born on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, she kicked off her career with those classic guest spots on shows like “S.W.A.T.,” “The Love Boat,” and “Fantasy Island.” But man, it was in 1978 when she really hit the big time as Jennifer Marlowe on “WKRP.” Playing that glamorous, quick-on-her-feet receptionist, she racked up Emmy and Golden Globe nods left and right. What I loved about her character was how she flipped the script on the dumb blonde trope—she was gorgeous, sure, but also whip-smart, independent, and totally in control.

If you never caught “WKRP in Cincinnati,” you’re missing out. The show ran from 1978 to 1982 and followed the chaotic world of a floundering rock radio station in Cincinnati. Picture this: a laid-back DJ spinning tunes, a bumbling station manager fumbling through decisions, and Loni’s character holding it all together with style and smarts. It wasn’t just laughs; the series tackled real stuff like racial tensions, censorship battles, and the everyday grind of office life. That catchy theme song? Still gets stuck in my head. It captured the quirky side of radio work and built a loyal fanbase that sticks around even today.

After “WKRP” wrapped, Loni didn’t fade into the background. She jumped into all sorts of roles, mixing comedy and drama in TV shows like “Partners in Crime,” “Nurses,” and “Easy Street.” On the big screen, she starred in flicks like “Stroker Ace” with her then-husband Burt Reynolds—their whirlwind marriage and messy divorce in the early ’90s turned into tabloid gold, keeping her name buzzing even outside of acting gigs.

As the years rolled on, Loni popped up in fun cameos on stuff like “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “The Mullets,” and “Baby Daddy,” always leaning into that sharp wit and iconic vibe. Beyond the spotlight, she got real about health issues, becoming a voice for COPD awareness after watching her parents battle it. She stayed involved in charity work and even penned a memoir, “My Life in High Heels,” dishing on her ups and downs in Hollywood, her relationships, and the personal hurdles she overcame.

Loni was the full package: stunning looks, that bubbly charm, and a toughness that shone through. She wasn’t just admired for her beauty; it was her strength and heart that really left a mark. Rest easy, Loni—you made us laugh, think, and cheer for the underdog.