Loni Anderson, who is famous for playing the clever Jennifer Marlowe on the CBS show WKRP in Cincinnati, passed away in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the age of 79, after a long illness, as confirmed by her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan.
The two-time Emmy nominee’s death signifies the conclusion of a lively career that included work in television, movies, and theater, creating a memorable impact in the entertainment world.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Loni Kaye Anderson |
| Birth Date | August 5, 1945 |
| Death Date | August 3, 2025 (aged 79) |
| Birth Place | Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1966–2023 |
| Known For | Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982) |
| Awards Nominations | Three Golden Globe Awards, two Emmy Awards |
| Parents | Klaydon Carl “Andy” Anderson, Maxine Hazel (née Kallin) |
| Education | Alexander Ramsey Senior High School, voted Valentine Queen in 1963 |
| Autobiography | My Life in High Heels (1995), ISBN 978-0-068814272-8, URL: [Archive.org link] |
| Spouses | Bruce Hasselberg (1964–1966), Ross Bickell (1974–1981), Burt Reynolds (1988–1994), Bob Flick (2008–) |
| Children | Deidra Hoffman (daughter), Quinton Anderson Reynolds (adopted son, 1988) |
| Sibling | Sister: Andrea |
| Health Advocacy | Spokesperson for COPD Together since 1999 |
| Cause of Death | Unspecified prolonged illness |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles hospital |
| Confirmation of Death | Los Angeles Hospital |
Loni Kaye Anderson was born on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She started from a local theater and became a national star. After finishing high school at Alexander Ramsey Senior High School in 1963, she studied art at the University of Minnesota.
In her early career, she was the runner-up in the 1964 Miss Minnesota pageant. Her big break came in 1978 when she got the role of Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, a sitcom made by Hugh Wilson. Anderson changed the character from a typical “dumb blonde” to the “smartest person in the room,” as she mentioned in a 2020 interview. “I wanted Jennifer to defy expectations,” she said. “Hugh Wilson listened, and together we created a character who was confident, capable, and unforgettable.”
Her performance got her Emmy nominations in 1980 and 1981, plus three Golden Globe nominations, making her a TV icon. Anderson was in almost all 90 episodes of the show during its four seasons, which ended in 1982. “Loni brought a unique energy to WKRP,” co-star Gary Sandy said. “Her wit and charm made Jennifer a fan favorite, and she was a joy to work with.”
After WKRP, Anderson acted in TV movies like The Jayne Mansfield Story (1980) with Arnold Schwarzenegger and White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd (1991). She also took roles in classic movie remakes like Leave Her to Heaven and Sorry, Wrong Number.
Her talent showed in guest spots on shows like S.W.A.T., The Bob Newhart Show, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and Nurses. In 1983, she starred with Burt Reynolds in the movie Stroker Ace, directed by Hal Needham.
Anderson got married to Burt Reynolds, a big Hollywood star, in 1988, which got a lot of media attention. They had their wedding at Reynolds’ ranch in Florida, and actor Robby Benson said it was “like something out of a fairy tale.”
But their divorce in 1994 was messy, and Reynolds had to pay Anderson $15,000 every month for spousal support and also take care of the mortgage on their home in Beverly Hills. Close friend and former co-star Howard Hesseman said, “The divorce was tough, but Loni handled it with grace. She never let it define her.”
Anderson was married four times, including to Bruce Hasselberg from 1964 to 1966, and they had a daughter named Deidra. She was also married to actor Ross Bickell from 1973 to 1981. Deidra is still alive, and there’s no record of Anderson having a son.
When she passed away, her estimated net worth was $12 million, thanks to her acting career and real estate deals, like selling a Beverly Hills mansion for $5.7 million in 2007, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
The specific reason for Anderson’s death has not been revealed, as her publicist only mentioned a “long illness.” Entertainment historian Dr. Laura Bennett remarked, “Loni Anderson’s influence on TV is huge.
She broke stereotypes and opened doors for more intricate female roles.” Fans expressed their sadness on social media, with one post on X saying, “Star of ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ Loni Anderson has died at just 79 years old. Her birthday is August 5. RIP, Jennifer Marlow.”
Anderson’s passing creates a gap in the entertainment world, yet her influence still lingers. WKRP in Cincinnati is still a cherished classic, with episodes such as the famous Thanksgiving turkey drop considered some of the greatest in television history.
As fans think back on her impact, many are urging for her legacy to be celebrated through retrospectives and streaming of her lesser-known projects. “Loni’s performances should be found again by new generations,” stated TV critic Sarah Mitchell. “Her talent is everlasting.”
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