Loni Anderson, Emmy Nominated Actress, Dies At 79 In Los Angeles
Loni Anderson, Emmy-nominated actress known for "WKRP in Cincinnati," died at 79 in a Los Angeles hospital after a prolonged illness, confirmed by her publicist.
Veteran actress Loni Anderson, who became a household name as the glamorous receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the hit sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has passed away at the age of 79. She died in Los Angeles following a prolonged illness, her publicist Cheryl J. Kagan confirmed.
Anderson's family shared their grief in a public statement: 'We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother."
Born in Minnesota, Anderson enjoyed a prolific television career, often playing roles that embodied classic Hollywood beauty. She famously portrayed Jayne Mansfield in The Jayne Mansfield Story (1980), acting opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mickey Hargitay, and later took on the mysterious life of Thelma Todd in White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd (1991). Between 1988 and 1990, she starred in several TV movie remakes of iconic films, including Leave Her to Heaven, Sorry, Wrong Number, and Three Coins in the Fountain.
Before landing her breakout role in WKRP in Cincinnati in 1978, Anderson had appeared on popular shows like S.W.A.T., Police Woman, Phyllis, and Barnaby Jones. She even auditioned for the role of Chrissy Snow on Three's Company.
Off screen, Anderson's personal life drew considerable media attention. She was married four times — first to Bruce Hasselberg (1964–66), then to actor Ross Bickell (1974–81). Her most publicised marriage was with screen icon Burt Reynolds from 1988 to 1994. Their divorce was highly public, with Anderson later alleging abuse and inconsistencies in child support.
She married Bob Flick, a founding member of the folk band The Brothers Four, in 2008.
Anderson had two children. Her daughter Deidra Hoffman, from her first marriage, is a school administrator who has been battling multiple sclerosis, a journey Anderson publicly supported. She also adopted a son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds, with Burt Reynolds. After Reynolds' death in 2018, Anderson and Quinton told FOX News, 'Quinton and I are extremely touched by the tremendous outpouring of love and support… He was a big part of my life for twelve years and Quinton's father for thirty years. We will miss him and his great laugh."
As of 2023, Anderson's net worth was estimated between $12 million and $18 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Nominated for multiple Emmys, Loni Anderson's contribution to television remains timeless.
May her soul rest in peace!
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