Loni Anderson Dies at 79: WKRP Icon, Burt Reynolds’ Ex, Family & Legacy
Loni Kaye Anderson—the actress best known as Jennifer Marlowe from the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati—has died. She passed away on August 3, 2025 at age 79, just two days before what would have been her 80th birthday.
Cause of Death & Illness
Loni Anderson died at a hospital in Los Angeles following an acute prolonged illness. No specific diagnosis has been publicly released, though family members requested privacy over medical details. Her longtime publicist confirmed the death, and the family issued an emotional statement:
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.”
Sources close to her reveal she battled with health issues consistent with the description of a “prolonged illness”
WKRP in Cincinnati & Career Highlights
Born August 5, 1945 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Anderson rose to fame as the smart, glamorous receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on CBS’s WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982). That role earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations and challenged the “dumb blonde” stereotype by combining sex appeal with intelligence :contentReference.
Before WKRP, she appeared in guest roles on shows like S.W.A.T., Phyllis, and Police Woman. After the sitcom’s end, she co-starred in films like Stroker Ace (1983)—where she met Burt Reynolds—and voiced a character in the animated hit All Dogs Go to Heaven. In 2023 she appeared in Lifetime’s ensemble film Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas :.
Marriage to Burt Reynolds & Family
Anderson married Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds in 1988. They adopted a son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds, during their marriage. Their high-profile romance ended in 1994 amid public legal and financial disputes. Anderson detailed her life in her 1995 memoir, My Life in High Heels, calling it a candid reflection “warts and all” :
Later, in 2008 she married musician Bob Flick of the folk band Brothers Four. She is survived by daughter Deidra, son Quinton, grandchildren, and stepfamily :.
Net Worth & Later Work
At the time of her death, Anderson’s estimated net worth was around $12 million. Her wealth stemmed from acting, television movies, and savvy real-estate investments—including lucrative property sales in Beverly Hills and Sherman Oaks.
Beyond WKRP, Anderson took on TV movies such as White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd and series like Easy Street, Nurses, and various guest spots through the 1980s and 1990s. She was also a long-time advocate for COPD awareness, inspired by her parents’ own battles with the disease :contentReference.
Legacy & Tributes
Loni Anderson helped reshape comedic television roles for women, mixing wit, grace, and style. Colleagues like Morgan Fairchild paid tribute on X, calling her “gracious, devoted to family” and “the sweetest lady”
Her portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe inspired a generation—proving that beauty and brains could coexist on-screen in a sitcom era often defined by stereotypes.
Did Loni Anderson Die? & Rumor Status
Before today, rumors swirling around Loni Anderson’s health often led to speculation online. But yes—Loni Anderson has officially passed away, confirmed by credible outlets like AP News, People, Vulture, and Washington Post
đź“‹ At a Glance
- Birth: August 5, 1945, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Death: August 3, 2025, Los Angeles (aged 79)
- Best Known For: *WKRP in Cincinnati* (1978–82)
- Children: Deidra Hoffman, Quinton Anderson Reynolds
- Marriages: Bruce Hasselberg, Ross Bickell, Burt Reynolds, Bob Flick
- Net Worth: ~$12 million
- Cause of Death: Prolonged illness (not publicly specified)