Loni Anderson, popular 1980s actor, dies two days before her 80th birthday; all you need to know about her

Time of India

a day ago

Loni Anderson, who was a popular actor of the 1980s, died on Sunday (August 3, 2025). She passed away just days before her 80th birthday, which was on August 5The actor was well known for playing a struggling radio station's empowered receptionist on the hit TV comedy 'WKRP in Cincinnati.'
Anderson died at a Los Angeles hospital following a 'prolonged' illness, said her long-time publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan. Anderson's family, in a statement, said, 'We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother,' as quoted by news agency AP.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Please select course:
Select a Course Category
Healthcare
others
CXO
Cybersecurity
Degree
MBA
Project Management
Data Science
Leadership
Others
Technology
Digital Marketing
Public Policy
Data Science
Operations Management
Management
Finance
MCA
Data Analytics
Design Thinking
PGDM
Product Management
Artificial Intelligence
healthcare
Skills you'll gain:
Financial Analysis in Healthcare
Financial Management & Investing
Strategic Management in Healthcare
Process Design & Analysis
Duration:
12 Weeks
Indian School of Business
Certificate Program in Healthcare Management
Starts on
Jun 13, 2024
Get Details
The actor is survived by her husband, Bob Flick; daughter, Deidra, and son-in-law Charlie Hoffman; son Quinton Anderson Reynolds; grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman; stepson Adam Flick and wife Helene; and step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
Loni Anderson's key role in 'WKRP in Cincinnati'
'WKRP in Cincinnati' aired from 1978 to 1982 and was set in a flagging Ohio radio station trying to reinvent itself with rock music. The cast included Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner, and Jan Smithers, alongside Anderson as the sexy and smart Jennifer Marlowe.
Live Events
As the station's receptionist, the blonde and high-heeled Jennifer used her sex appeal to deflect unwanted business calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson. Her efficiency often kept the station running in the face of others' incompetence. The role earned Anderson two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.
Loni Anderson's big screen journey
Anderson starred on the big screen alongside
Burt Reynolds
in the 1983 comedy 'Stroker Ace,' and the two later married and became tabloid fixtures before divorcing in 1994.
Loni Anderson's autobiography
The actor wrote a 1995 autobiography, 'My Life in High Heels,' which she said was about 'the growth of a woman, a woman who survives. It's about my childhood, the death of my parents, my career, my divorces, and my children. Then, of course, the trauma of my marriage to Burt.'
'I think if you're going to write about yourself, you have to do it warts and all,' Anderson told The Associated Press. 'You may not even tell the nicest things about yourself, because you're telling the truth.'