Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson
Joe Yasharoff/X

Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of TV's most glamorous stars. Loni Anderson, best known as the sharp-witted receptionist Jennifer Marlowe in WKRP in Cincinnati, has died aged 79 after a long illness. She passed away on 3 August in Los Angeles with her family by her side.

With her golden hair, chic wardrobe and quick wit, Anderson redefined the 'blonde bombshell' trope on TV. She insisted her character be portrayed as intelligent and confident – a move that earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nods during the show's 1978–1982 run.

(Credits: MediaPunch)
(Credits: MediaPunch)
(Credits: MediaPunch)
(Credits: ZUMA Press Wire / Zuma Press)
(Credits: ZUMA Press Wire / Zuma Press)

Friends, co-stars and fans have flooded social media with tributes, remembering Anderson not just for her beauty, but for challenging stereotypes in Hollywood.

Her legacy? A blend of wit, style and substance that changed the way glamorous women were portrayed on television – and a career that will be remembered for decades to come.

Writer's pick