LOS ANGELES – Loni Anderson, remembered for her standout role on “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died at 79, just two days before her 80th birthday. Anderson passed away in a Los Angeles hospital after a long illness, her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, shared.
Her family released a heartfelt statement saying, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother,” showing the deep personal loss felt by those closest to her, as well as her influence on her peers and fans.
Born August 5, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to a chemist father and model mother, Loni Anderson’s first brush with fame came with a part alongside Steve McQueen in “Nevada Smith” (1966). Her breakthrough arrived in 1978 with “WKRP in Cincinnati,” where she played Jennifer Marlowe, the clever and confident receptionist.
Her portrayal redefined screen stereotypes, earning her several Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. Her longtime manager, Steve Sauer, recalled her as “the ultimate working mother,” always putting family first while building a successful career.
Loni Anderson’s 40-Year Career
Loni Anderson’s time on television spanned more than 40 years. She starred in “Stroker Ace” (1983) with Burt Reynolds, and earned praise in TV movies, playing Jayne Mansfield beside Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The Jayne Mansfield Story” (1980), and Thelma Todd in “White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd” (1991).
She starred with Lynda Carter in “Partners in Crime” (1984) and took the lead in “Easy Street” (1986–1987). In later years, Anderson shifted toward lighter roles, including Tori Spelling’s mother in “So noTORIous” (2006) and a return to the spotlight in “Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas” (2023).
Apart from acting, Anderson pushed for equal pay for her work on “WKRP,” helping to set new standards for women in TV. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in 2017.
Loni Anderson also became a strong supporter of COPD awareness after caring for her parents during their illness.
Her personal life often drew as much attention as her career. Her marriage to Burt Reynolds after meeting him on “Stroker Ace” became headline news.
The pair adopted Quinton Anderson Reynolds, whom she later called “the best decision that we ever made in our entire relationship.” Their very public divorce in 1994 brought years of legal disputes, though Anderson spoke kindly of Reynolds after he died in 2018, calling him a lifelong friend.
Public Celebration of Life
In 2008, Loni Anderson married Bob Flick, one of the founders of The Brothers Four. Their wedding cake included a picture from their first meeting in 1963, showing just how far back their connection went.
She is survived by Flick, her daughter Deidra Hoffman, son-in-law Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton, grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and his wife Helene, and step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
The family plans a private service at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, with a public celebration of her life to come.
Fans and colleagues have shared touching messages about Anderson’s impact. Actress Morgan Fairchild expressed her sadness, writing that Anderson was both sweet and gracious.
Fans shared that Jennifer Marlowe was their first TV crush, but it was Anderson’s humour and strength that made her a role model to many. Comments highlighted how she made it easy to admire smart, stylish women on television.
Her openness about her family’s struggles with COPD encouraged many people to seek help or support loved ones with the disease. Loni Anderson’s 1995 memoir, “My Life in High Heels,” gave a personal look at her ups and downs and connected with many readers who appreciated her honesty.
Loni Anderson’s work changed how women were portrayed on sitcoms. She showed that beauty and brains could exist side by side on screen. She also supported causes close to her heart, including the USO and animal welfare.
A representative from the Hollywood Walk of Fame praised her as more than just a TV star, calling her a true cultural figure whose influence will last for years.
As the entertainment world grieves her loss, the Anderson family encourages fans to keep her memory alive by supporting COPD awareness or revisiting her iconic performances. Loni Anderson’s laughter, warmth, and spirit will live on, reminding viewers and fans of her enduring place in television history.
