Jan Smithers -- be still, my foolish heart
You know, it gladdens me that every single person I've asked immediately prefers Bailey Quarters to Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP IN CINCINNATI. Loni Anderson was played up for years as the irresistable sexy blonde, with that helmet of hair and exaggerated curves. I'm sure a lot of guys did go nuts over her, and yet it's always Jan Smithers' Bailey they remember fondly. The character was intelligent, shy, idealistic, just a good person in general. And Jan was gorgeous in her own sweet way. Every now and then, her subdued wardrobe gave hints of the amazing body beneath. My favorite Bailey Quarters moment was when she sang "Amazing Grace" a capella, very touching. Jan started out modellng, did a movie here and there (WHERE THE LILLIES BLOOM) but WKRP was her main contribution to pop culture. These pictures of her are from 1980, look back and smile.