Loni Anderson, actor in the 1980s WKRP watch in Cincinnati, died at 79

Loni Anderson, who played the receptionist authorized by a radio station in difficulty on the successful TV comedy WKRP in Cincinnatidied on Sunday, a few days before her 80th birthday.

Anderson died in a Los Angeles hospital following a “prolonged disease,” said his longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan.

“We have a broken heart to announce the death of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement.

WKRP in Cincinnatiwhich was broadcast from 1978 to 1982, was located in a radio station late on Ohio, trying to reinvent itself with rock music. The cast included Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner, Tim Reid, Gordon Jump, Jan Smithers and Gary Sandy, alongside Anderson as a sexy and intelligent Jennifer.

As a receptionist of the station, the blonde jennifer and high heels used her sex appeal to divert unwanted commercial calls for his boss, Mr. Carlson, played by Jump. Its effectiveness has often made the station work in the face of the incompetence of others.

The role has earned its two Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe nominations.

Anderson played on the big screen alongside Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy Ace StrokerAnd the two later were married and became tabloid devices before divorce in 1994.

Anderson is survived by her husband, Bob Flick, his daughter Deidra, his son Quinton and two grandchildren.