Loni Anderson became a familiar face on U.S. television in the late 70s, captivating audiences as Jennifer Marlowe, the receptionist on the CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati.
Portraying the buxom and alluring Jennifer on CBS’ WKRP in Cincinnati catapulted Loni Anderson to superstardom, earning her three Grammy awards during the show’s run from 1978 to 1982.
“I believe women appreciated the fact that I combined sexiness with intelligence,” she remarked. “It may sound strange today, but in 1978, when we started, not many women were blending both in comedy.”
Hailing from Minnesota and born into an upper-middle-class family, Anderson developed an early passion for acting, but her early physical development, including being the first girl in school to wear a bra, brought both excitement and embarrassment.
”A lot was made of my figure. I put up with a lot of stuff,” Anderson shared in a 1980 interview with Tampa Bay Timers.
Making her acting debut alongside Steve McQueen in the 1966 movie Nevada Smith, Anderson went on to have a prolific career, appearing in shows like S.W.A.T, Phyllis, Police Woman, and Harry O. Besides her acting career, Anderson became a poster star, with her bikini-clad image becoming a best-seller.
Reflecting on her decision to do a poster, Anderson told Fox News in 2021, “I remember we all did posters back then. Everybody always asks me, ‘What made you do a poster?’ I would say, ‘Because someday my grandchildren will look at this. And I’ll be able to tell them that I really looked like that. What you saw is what you got laughs.’”
Her posters played a pivotal role in landing the role of Jennifer in WKRP. Producer Hugh Wilson, impressed by a poster featuring Anderson in a red swimsuit, offered her the job, catapulting her into fame.
Despite a successful career, Anderson’s personal life included four marriages, with actor Burt Reynolds being her most famous spouse. Their six-year marriage ended in a highly publicized and contentious divorce in 1994.
Burt Reynolds openly discussed their private life, citing lack of intimacy as a significant issue. Their divorce involved allegations of infidelity and a bitter custody battle over their adopted son, Quinton.
In 1995, Anderson accused Reynolds of physical abuse, breaking her silence and revealing details of their troubled marriage. Despite the animosity, Anderson expressed sadness upon Reynolds’ death in 2018.
Now 78, Anderson, often compared to stars like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield, maintains her beauty. She attributes her youthful appearance to a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, a diet focused on fruits and vegetables, and a positive mindset.
Surrounded by loved ones, including her fourth husband, musician Bob Flick, whom she married in 2008, Anderson radiates happiness and remains grateful for each day. Despite personal challenges, such as her daughter’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2009, Anderson’s positive outlook on life serves as an inspiration to many.