Sitcom Icon Loni Anderson Dies at 79 After Long Illness

Mid Atlantic Nostalgia conv Hunt Valley M.D. Sept 2019

Los Angeles, California – August 2, 2025 — Loni Anderson, the glamorous sitcom legend best known for her iconic role as Jennifer Marlowe on the 1980s television series WKRP in Cincinnati, has passed away at the age of 79, just days before her 80th birthday. Her death, which occurred on Saturday, August 2, followed a long illness, according to a statement released by her family.

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A Trailblazing Television Career

Anderson rose to stardom in the late 1970s through her portrayal of the witty and stylish receptionist on CBS’s WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982), earning two Golden Globe nominations and an Emmy Award nomination for her performance. Her role broke stereotypes and redefined the “blonde bombshell” image on network television, blending comedic brilliance with charm and sophistication.

Beyond WKRP, Anderson appeared in various television movies and series throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Partners in Crime, Nurses, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Her talent and magnetic screen presence drew comparisons to Marilyn Monroe, solidifying her place as a pop culture icon.

A Glamorous Life in the Spotlight

Loni Anderson's personal life garnered nearly as much attention as her professional career. She was married to actor Burt Reynolds from 1988 to 1994 in a high-profile Hollywood relationship that was often covered in tabloids. The couple adopted a son, Quinton Anderson, together. Anderson is also survived by her daughter Deidra from a previous marriage and her current husband, Bob Flick, a founding member of the folk group The Brothers Four, whom she married in 2008.

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Her family confirmed that she passed away peacefully in a Los Angeles hospital, surrounded by loved ones. A private memorial service will be held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Loni Anderson leaves behind a legacy that spans decades, characterized by her strength, grace, and trailblazing work in television comedy. She paved the way for smart, glamorous female characters on screen and remains a beloved figure in Hollywood history.

She is remembered not just for her talent but for her resilience and dedication to her craft, as well as her charitable efforts in raising awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a cause she supported following her parents' struggles with smoking-related illnesses.