The beloved actress Lonnie Anderson, known for her portrayal of Jennifer Marlow in the iconic sitcom “WKRP of Cincinnati,” passed away in Los Angeles on Sunday at the age of 79, just a few days before her 80th birthday. Her long-term public relations personnel confirmed that Anderson passed away after a long illness, leaving a legacy that touched the hearts of many people.
Anderson’s family shared their profound sorrow in a statement, saying, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.” Her career, which shone brightly through the late 1970s and 1980s, made her a household name and a cherished figure in American television, with her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe becoming a defining moment in her career.
1.“WKRP in Cincinnati” originally aired from 1978 to 1982, captivating audiences with its unique premise. The CBS sitcom centered on a struggling Ohio radio station that sought to reinvent itself by transitioning to a rock music format. Anderson’s character, Jennifer Marlowe, quickly became a standout, known for her striking good looks and equally sharp intelligence.
As the station’s receptionist, the blonde and high-heeled Jennifer was routinely depicted deflecting unwanted business calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson, played by Gordon Jump. Her remarkable efficiency and shrewdness often proved instrumental in keeping the station operational, even in the face of the other characters’ frequent incompetence. This role was a significant highlight in Anderson’s career, showcasing her comedic timing and depth.
2.Anderson’s compelling performance as Jennifer Marlowe garnered her widespread critical acclaim. She earned two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations for her work on the series. Her portrayal was pivotal in challenging prevalent stereotypes, particularly the “dumb blonde” trope that was common in media at the time.
Anderson was instrumental in shaping Jennifer Marlowe beyond a simple stereotype, expressing a strong desire for the character to be more than just a “blonde.” She famously asserted, “Jennifer was the smartest person in the room,” highlighting her insistence on the character’s intelligence and depth, which resonated deeply with audiences.
This thoughtful approach to character development allowed Jennifer to become a “groundbreaking kind of character for women to be glamorous and smart,” as Anderson herself put it. While her role on “WKRP in Cincinnati” launched her career and established her as a prominent sex symbol of the era, it was her intelligence that truly set her apart.
3.Fans were delighted when Anderson reprised her iconic role in “The New WKRP in Cincinnati” sequel series, appearing in two episodes between 1991 and 1992. This allowed audiences to reconnect with the enduring charm and wit of Jennifer Marlowe, proving the character’s lasting impact.
Born Loni Kaye Anderson on August 5, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Klaydon Carl Anderson, an environmental chemist, and Maxine Hazel Kallin, a model. Her journey into the spotlight began with beauty pageants, where she notably became a runner-up in the Miss Minnesota competition.
4.Before achieving wider fame, Anderson collected several other regional titles, including Miss Thermo-Jac Clothing and Miss County Style Ford, showcasing her early presence in the public eye. Her passion for the arts also led her to study art at the University of Minnesota, broadening her creative horizons.
Her transition to an acting career began with appearances in local commercials and theater shows. Anderson’s personal life also saw significant developments during this period. After her first marriage to Bruce Hasselberg, she married fellow actor Ross Bickell, and together they made the pivotal move to Los Angeles in 1975 to chase their aspirations of stardom within the burgeoning film and television industry.
5.Interestingly, Anderson was naturally a brunette, but as her career progressed in the 1970s, she famously dyed her hair platinum blonde. This striking transformation became a signature part of her image, although she reportedly had reservations, fearing it might hinder her being taken seriously as an actress.
Her very first credited acting role was a small part in the 1966 film “Nevada Smith,” starring the legendary Steve McQueen. However, it took nearly a decade before her career truly took off, with guest appearances on various television series becoming more frequent by the mid-1970s.
6.Her extensive early television credits included roles on popular shows such as “S.W.A.T.,” “Police Woman,” “Barnaby Jones,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “The Invisible Man,” “Harry O,” “Phyllis,” and “Police Story.” She was even in contention for the role of Chrissy Snow on “Three’s Company,” though the part ultimately went to Suzanne Somers. However, her audition led to guest appearances in two episodes of that show, further boosting her visibility.
After achieving breakthrough success in Cincinnati’s WKRP, Anderson maintained a stable and prolific presence in both television and film. She is widely regarded as the ‘queen of television and movies’, which proves her frequent and unforgettable appearances in television and movies. This includes “Letters to Three Wives” and “White Heat: The Mysterious Murder of Selma Todd”, as well as “Fatal Family Secrets” from 1995.
