Loni Anderson almost made it to 80 years old.

Well that’s a shame.  Loni Anderson passed away at 79 years old.

Loni Anderson was gorgeous with an ample bosom, but that isn’t so rare or memorable.  On WKRP in Cincinnati, Anderson played a role that was made for her.  Along with her looks, she was smart, funny and in command.  The guys didn’t hit on her because she would see that coming from a mile away and redirect the conversation.  Loni Anderson continued to act, but she would always be remembered as Jennifer, the receptionist who ran the radio station.

Everyone on WKRP was cast well, and every character was more than they seemed.  The writing was sharp and the show still holds up.  It must be a mixed blessing to be an actor on an iconic show.  The actor will always be remembered for that show, but no matter what else they do, that character sticks with them.

William Shatner went through that with Star Trek.  Didn’t matter what else he did, people thought of him as Captain Kirk.  It took him many years to come to terms with that.

I don’t know if any other actor has gotten passed his defining role as well as Ron Howard.  Even the people who knew him as Opie in the 1960’s, now think of him as a producer and director.