Loni Anderson, popular actress best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on the CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, died on August 3, 2025, at the age of 79, just days before her 80th birthday. She died at a Los Angeles hospital after a long illness, which her publicist Cheryl J. Kagan described as an "acute chronic illness." While specific details about the cause of her death are private, Anderson's long-standing efforts to spread awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—which stemmed from her experience as a caregiver to her parents, both of whom were diagnosed with COPD—has led to speculation that her illness may have been related to lung health. Her family requested
The Life and Loves of Loni Anderson
Loni Kay Anderson was born on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Her father was environmental chemist Claydon Carl Anderson and former model Maxine Hazel Kallin. Raised in Roseville, Minnesota, Anderson was a natural brunette who later adopted her distinctive platinum blonde look, which became a hallmark in her career. She was voted Queen of the Valentine's Day Winter Formal at Alexander Ramsey Senior High School in 1963, indicating her early fascination with color.
Anderson was married four times. Her first marriage to Bruce Hasselberg (1964–1966) produced her daughter, Deidra Hoffman. She later married actor Ross Bikel (1974–1981), and then had a high-profile marriage to Burt Reynolds (1988–1994), with whom she adopted a son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds. Her fourth marriage to musician Bob Flick lasted until his death in 2008. She is survived by Flick, Deidra, Quinton, son-in-law Charlie Hoffman, grandchildren Mackenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and his wife Helen, and step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
From WKRP to a Legacy: The Career of Loni Anderson
Anderson's career began in 1966 with a small role in the film Nevada Smith opposite Steve McQueen. Her big break came in 1978 on WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982), where she played the intelligent and charming receptionist Jennifer Marlowe. She received two Emmy and three Golden Globe nominations for the role, and redefined the image of the "dumb blonde" by playing an intelligent, empowered character. She appeared in all but one of the show's 90 episodes and became a successful star alongside Howard Hesseman.
In addition to WKRP, Anderson starred in several TV movies, including The Jayne Mansfield Story (1980) with Arnold Schwarzenegger, White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd (1991), and remakes of classic films such as Leave Her to Heaven (1988) and Sorry, Wrong Number (1989). She also appeared in series such as SWAT, Police Woman, The Bob Newhart Show, Three's Company, Nurses (1991–1994), Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and So Notorious (2006). Her last role was in the 2023 Lifetime movie Ladies of the 80s: A Diva's Christmas alongside Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild, and Nicollette Sheridan.
Her film roles include Stroker Ace (1983) with Burt Reynolds, which was panned by critics but resulted in their marriage, The Lonely Guy (1984) with Steve Martin, and the voice role of Flo in All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989). Despite her mixed success in films, Anderson's television work kept her in the public eye, and she maintained her glamorous image throughout her career.
More Than a Blonde Bombshell: Loni Anderson's Lasting Legacy
Following her death, tributes were paid to her by her peers and fans. Barbara Eden expressed her shock and heartache at the X and called Anderson a "dear friend". Morgan Fairchild described her as "the sweetest, most gracious woman" who had a "sharp wit" and an "impeccable work ethic". Steve Sawyer, Anderson's manager for 30 years, praised her as a "consummate artist" and "a wonderful working mother", and noted her sense of humor and ability to balance family and career. Fans on X shared their memories of the glamorous but fiery Jennifer Marlowe, with many calling her a pioneer in portraying strong and intelligent women on television.
Anderson's legacy lies in her groundbreaking portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe, which broke stereotypes and inspired an entire generation of actresses. Inspired by her parents' struggles, her campaign for COPD awareness also left a deep impact. She was a vocal supporter of anti-smoking campaigns and used her platform to raise awareness of lung health.
Loni Anderson dead at 79 after long illness | Fox News https://t.co/CJyt01lCXX
— We Have It All (@WeAreWoke1776_3) August 3, 2025
Funeral details
A private family service is planned at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, with a public celebration of life to be held in the future. Anderson's death has been widely covered
Beyond the Spotlight: Loni Anderson's Legacy and Private World
, reflecting her status as a television icon. Her tumultuous marriage to Burt Reynolds, detailed in her 1995 autobiography "My Life in High Heels," landed her in the tabloids, but she later reconciled with Reynolds before his death in 2018, emphasizing their shared love for their son Quinton. Her later years were quieter, where she focused on family, law practice and the occasional TV appearance, but her influence as a glamorous yet influential actress continues to this day.
Andersen's net worth in 2023 was estimated to be between $12 million and $18 million, reflecting her successful career and enduring popularity. Her collection of Snow White memorabilia and Disney artifacts inherited from her mother also highlighted her personal passions.
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