Loni Anderson, ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ actress, dies at 79

(NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Loni Anderson, the groundbreaking Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actress, has died at the age of 79.

Her 80th birthday would have been on August 5.

Anderson's longtime publicist announced her passing Sunday following a "prolonged illness."

The career of the popular 1980s actress spanned four decades.

Anderson rose to fame while playing a struggling radio station's empowered receptionist, Jennifer Marlowe, in "WKRP in Cincinnati."

Her co-stars in the comedy TV series included Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner and Jan Smithers.

Anderson's role in "WKRP in Cincinnati" earned her two Emmy awards and three Golden Globe nominations.

She later starred alongside her then future-husband, Burt Reynolds, in the 1983 film "Stroker Ace." The film was considered a critical failure.

In 1984, Anderson played Syndey Kovak in the TV series "Partners in Crime" and in 1986, L.K. McGuire in "Easy Street."

She also voiced "Flo" in the animated film "All Dogs Go to Heaven" in 1989.

Anderson died at a Los Angeles hospital, surrounded by family.