- WKRP In Cincinnati ended 40+ years ago
- Most of the cast members are still alive
- Here's which actors are around today
'WKRP In Cincinnati' is the beloved sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1982. For a long time, nearly the entire cast was still alive, but we've lost a few actors in the past couple years. Of the main eight stars, five of them are with us now.
Five 'WKRP In Cincinnati' actors are still alive
'WKRP In Cincinnati' was the hilarious show about the 'WKRP' radio station and its memorable cast of characters. The sitcom had eight full-time stars, and the leading ladies are still living today.
Actress Jan Smithers, who played "Bailey Quarters," is in her late 70s now. But we haven't seen the star in a new project for a while.
'WKRP's director "Andy Travis" is still around too: actor Gary Sandy is going strong today. As is Richard Sanders, the man behind "Les Nessman" and the classic turkey drop scene. Then there is "Venus Flytrap" actor Tim Reid, who is also in his late 70s now.
40 years later: Three 'WKRP' actors have died
Sadly, several 'WKRP In Cincinnati' stars have also passed away. The show's eldest cast member was Gordon Jump. The "Big Guy" actor was the first from the show to pass in 2003.
Also interesting:
Check it out!
Check it out!
For a long time, many of the original stars were still with us, but Frank Bonner (“Herb Tarlek”) passed away in 2021, followed by the great Howard Hesseman (“DJ Johnny Fever”) in 2022. Most recently, actress Loni Anderson passed away on August 3, 2025. May they rest in peace.
'WKRP In Cincinnati' is still remembered fondly by fans today, and the fallen stars won't soon be forgotten. You can go through the years with the 'WKRP cast' here.
