Who’s Still Alive From ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’?
It is hard to believe that it has been over 40 years since the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati first hit the airwaves. The beloved CBS series about the misadventures of a small radio station’s staff only ran from 1978 until 1982, but it left a lasting mark on fans with its memorable characters, classic moments and up-close look at life on the fringes of the music industry. With the recent passing of Loni Anderson, who portrayed the station’s sultry receptionist Jennifer Marlowe, we were curious who is still alive from the iconic sitcom.
Let’s find out which WKRP cast members are still with us today, and which have sadly passed away in recent years.
Gary Sandy (79)
Andy Travis
Everett Collection
Gary Sandy played Andy Travis, WKRP‘s new program director, who was brought in to shake up the struggling Cincinnati radio station. After WKRP ended, Sandy made guest appearances on popular TV series including Murder, She Wrote, L.A. Law and even had a multi-episode arc on The Young and the Restless in 2001. He also found success onstage starring in touring productions of musicals like The Music Man and Pirates of Penzance during the 1980s. He will be honored this year by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation as a 2025 “Giant of Broadcasting,” recognizing his iconic turn as Andy Travis on WKRP.
Tim Reid (80)
Venus Flytrap (Gordon Sims)
Everett Collection; Fuzz on the Lens Productions/Everett Collection
Tim Reid portrayed the smooth-talking, soul music-loving nighttime DJ Venus Flytrap (real name Gordon Sims). Reid’s career flourished after WKRP: he earned critical acclaim headlining the dramedy Frank’s Place in the late 1980s, and later became familiar to a new generation as Ray Campbell, the loving father on the hit ’90s sitcom Sister, Sister.
Reid also popped up on shows ranging from That ’70s Show to Grey’s Anatomy, and more recently had roles in Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings and the Apple TV+ drama Swagger. He has also ventured into directing and producing over the years, even founding a film studio in his home state of Virginia to support up-and-coming filmmakers.
Jan Smithers (76)
Bailey Quarters
Everett Collection
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Jan Smithers played Bailey Quarters, WKRP‘s soft-spoken journalist. Following WKRP, Smithers appeared in a few other projects, had guest roles on shows like The Love Boat and Murder, She Wrote and co-starred in a short-lived sitcom called The Columnist. Her final acting role was in the 1987 comedy film Mr. Nice Guy, after which she chose to step away from Hollywood.
Smithers has led a private life focused on family in recent years; however, in 2014, she delighted fans by reuniting with fellow WKRP alums at a special cast reunion event hosted by the Paley Center for Media.
Richard Sanders (84)
Les Nessman
Everett Collection
Richard Sanders brought plenty of laughs as Les Nessman, WKRP‘s quirky news director famous for his bungled pronunciations and ever-present bandages. Sanders, a classically trained actor, continued working steadily in television through the ’80s and ’90s, and guest-starred on a variety of series, including Newhart, Murder, She Wrote, Designing Women and Married… with Children.
He also joined former co-stars Gordon Jump and Frank Bonner in reprising his role as Les Nessman for The New WKRP in Cincinnati, a revival of the series. In addition to acting, Sanders tried his hand at screenwriting, and he even penned several WKRP episodes during the original run. Sanders is long retired from showbiz and enjoys a quiet life. He is reportedly living with his wife in Washington state these days.
In Memoriam
CBS/Everett Collection
Loni Anderson (Jennifer Marlowe) died August 3, 2025, at age 79 after a prolonged illness.
Everett Collection
Howard Hesseman (Dr. Johnny Fever) died January 29, 2022, at age 81, from complications of colon surgery.
Everett Collection
Frank Bonner (Herb Tarlek) died June 16, 2021, at age 79, from complications of Lewy body dementia.
MTM Productions/Everett Collection
Gordon Jump (Arthur Carlson) died September 22, 2003, at age 71 from pulmonary fibrosis.
Remind 
1970s Fall TV
September 2023
Take a trip back to the ’70s by looking at the TV Guide Magazine Fall Preview primetime lineups.
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