These 7 roles played by Loni Anderson will always live in the hearts of fans

Loni Anderson was an American actress who is best known for her role in the show, WKRP in Cincinnati. The actress was nominated for multiple Emmys and Golden Globes and has performed in diverse roles in both movie and TV. The actress has appeared in shows and movies like The Jayne Mansfield Story, Stroker Ace, and others. Loni Anderson is known for her comedic timing but has also portrayed serious roles. She got critical acclaim for her portrayal in the movie, White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd. Unfortunately, the actress died on August 3, 2025 after battling a prolonged illness and just two days shy of her 80th birthday.

Here are 7 roles played by Loni Anderson that fans must-watch.

WKRP in Cincinnati, Partners in Crime, and other performances by Loni Anderson

1. The Jayne Mansfield Story

Loni Anderson stars in the movie (Image via Getty)

One of the earliest projects in the career of Loni Anderson, this 1980 made-for-television biographical drama is directed by Dick Lowry and features Loni Anderson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and others. Written by Charles Dennis and Nancy Gayle, the movie is based on the life of Jayne Mansfield and Anderson played the titular character while Arnold played the actress’s bodybuilder husband. The movie was based on a book by Martha Saxton and tells the story of the rise and fall of sex symbol Jayne Mansfield in Hollywood. While the movie was not a hit with the critics, it was enjoyed by viewers. Viewers who are a fan of the actress or want to check out some of her work, must watch this one. Anderson proves that she can deliver any character that is given to her and can embody a real-life personality as well with a lot of dedication. The movie is breezy and while it does not stand apart on the basis of its plot or acting, it is an easy watch and is emblematic of the period that it was made in. Even Arnold gives a dedicated performance as Mansfield’s husband and he has an easygoing chemistry with Anderson.

2. WKRP in Cincinnati

One of Loni Anderson's most famous roles, this sitcom series is created by Hugh Wilson and features Gary Sandy, Loni Anderson, Tim Reid, and others. The show had four seasons and aired from 1978 to 1982. The series is about the adventures that the staff of a fictional and struggling AM radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio, get into. One of the most famous acting roles in Anderson’s career, the show was based on Wilson’s experiences as he observed a Top 40 radio station WQXI in Atlanta. Therefore, many of the characters were based on the characters at the station. While the show was not a hit while airing, it gained success when it went into syndication. The show has the premise of the station’s new program director, Andy Travis (Sandy), trying to turn around the struggling station by switching its format from easy music to rock and roll. In the show, Anderson plays the role of receptionist Jennifer Marlowe for which she earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. The show proved that Anderson has comedic timing and the actress gave a dedicated performance, becoming a highlight on the show. A definite must-watch for fans of the actress.

3. The Lonely Guy

Still from the movie (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

Directed by Arthur Hiller and starring Steve Martin, Lori Anderson, and others, this 1984 romantic comedy movie is based on the 1978 book by Bruce Jay Friedman. The movie is about a greeting card writer Larry Hubbard (Martin), who finds out that his girlfriend has cheated on him with another man. Therefore, Hubbard decides to adopt the lifestyle of a “lonely guy” and meets other men like him. The movie is full of hilarious misadventures as Hubbard has bad luck with women and he ultimately writes a book on his experience, which changes his life. In the movie, Loni Anderson has a cameo appearance and she appears as herself. Even though it is a minor role, the actress gives a wonderful performance and once again proves her charisma and comedic prowess. The film is lighthearted and breezy and fans of the actress must check it out to see the actress appear as herself. This movie comes at a time when Anderson was appearing in movies and had already gained success as a star. While the film has mixed reviews from critics, it is an entertaining and humorous watch and Steve Martin also plays his role superbly. A must-watch movie.

4. Partners in Crime

Loni Anderson stars in the show (Image via Getty)

Created by William Driskill, this crime drama TV show features Lynda Carter, Loni Anderson, and others. The show had just one season and aired in 1984. Set in San Francisco, California, the show focuses on Carole Stanwyck (Carter) and Sydney Kovack (Loni Anderson), who are two very different women. However, they both share Raymond as their ex-husband. When Raymond is murdered, Carole and Sydney decide to find the murderer and decide to run the detective agency that Raymond has left them. The show is a must-watch for fans of Anderson as she teamed up with the famous Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter when both women were at the height of their popularity. While the show did not sustain and reviews were mixed, it is an iconic part of pop culture in retrospect as two leading ladies of the time came together to jointly act in a show. Known for her comic skills, this show gave Anderson the opportunity to expand her filmography and take up more serious and action-oriented roles. The actress gives a dedicated performance and fans of the actress will enjoy the one-season series as it is easy to binge-watch it. The series has plenty of mystery, action, thrills, and entertainment and is one of the few shows of the time that was women-centric.

5. White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd

Directed by Paul Wendkos, this 1991 biographical drama and television movie is based on the 1989 non-fiction book by Andy Edmonds. Starring Loni Anderson, the film revolves around the life of Hollywood comedic actress Thelma Todd, whose death in 1935 was ruled accidental but has remained controversial and mysterious even today. Other actors in the movie include Robert Davi, Paul Dooley, and others. The movie is a must-watch for fans of Loni Anderson as she carries the film the entire time and was praised by both critics and viewers for her stellar portrayal of Thelma Todd. Even though it is a made-for-television-movie, the film has plenty of suspense and is elevated by the nuanced acting of Anderson. The actress is the lead in the movie and she proves that she can take on main character roles. The movie premiered on NBC and received positive reviews, especially for Anderson’s performance. While fans of the actress must watch the movie for Anderson’s performance, the movie in itself is also a must-watch and delves into one of Hollywood’s most famous cases. Anderson proves that she is an enigmatic actress and charms her way through the screen, even when she is portraying a tragic character.

6. Stroker Ace

Still from the movie (Image via Warner on Demand)

Starring Burt Reynolds, Loni Anderson, Ned Beatty, and others, this 1983 action comedy and sport movie is directed by Hal Needham and is based on a book by William Neely and Robert K. Ottum. The movie is about Stroker Ace (Reynolds), who is a NASCAR driver. He is pompous and arrogant and is popular and a three-time champion in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Ace is someone who is from Waycross, Georgia and he drives a Ford Thunderbird. Further, the movie showcases that Ace has a rivalry with a young drive called Aubrey James. The movie has a lot of hilarious hijinks and Loni Anderson appears as Pembrook Feeny who is a Sunday School teacher and leads a strict life. While Ace falls for her initially and tries to seduce her, Pembrook rejects him. He eventually respects her choices and the two fall for each other. On the other hand, Ace has got himself into a bad deal as he did not read the contract papers. The movie has lots of action and laugh-out-loud moments and Anderson delivers a dedicated performance. Interestingly, Reynolds and Anderson got married later on and the chemistry between them is visible on screen. While the movie was not a success and became a turning point for Reynolds’ career, the film is a must-watch for fans of the actress.

7. All Dogs Go to Heaven

Still from the movie (Image via Amazon MGM Studios)

Loni Anderson has proved that she has a diverse filmography as she even performed a voice role in her acting career. Directed by Don Bluth, this 1989 musical and fantasy comedy drama movie features the voices of Loni Anderson, Burt Reynolds, Judith Barsi, and others. The movie is set in 1939, New Orleans, and revolves around Charlie B Barkin (Reynolds), who is a German Shepherd and has been killed by his former friend Carface Carruthers. Charlie escapes from Heaven and returns to Earth to his best friend Itchy Itchiford. He now wants to take revenge on Carface and he also ends up befriending a young orphan girl called Anne-Marrie (Judith Barsi). The movie has themes of friendship, love, and kindness, and is a poignant and lighthearted movie. Loni Anderson voices the character of Flo, who is a Rough Collie and one of Charlie’s friends. While the movie was a decent success at the box-office, it became extremely popular when released on VHS and became one of the best-selling VHS releases ever. Fans of Anderson must watch the movie to experience the voice talents of the actress. Anderson showcases her ability to portray emotions and character through her voice and the movie is a family-friendly and must-watch film.