TV Star Loni Anderson Dead at 79 After Long Illness
Loni Anderson, known for her role on WKRP in Cincinnati, has died at age 79 in a Los Angeles hospital.
Her publicist confirmed her passing followed a prolonged illness, though the exact cause remains unknown.
The family released a statement saying, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.”
The news comes just days before what would have been her 80th birthday.
The announcement marks a major loss in television history, as Loni Anderson dead at 79 sends shockwaves through the entertainment world.
Remembering Loni’s Iconic Career on Screen
Anderson rose to fame playing Jennifer Marlowe, the smart and glamorous receptionist on WKRP in Cincinnati.
The late-’70s sitcom focused on a struggling radio station in Ohio and became a fan favorite.
Her performance earned her multiple award nominations and turned her into a pop culture icon of that era.
Loni also starred in films like Stroker Ace alongside Burt Reynolds, whom she later married.
She played Barbara Butabi in A Night at The Roxbury, portraying the quirky mother of Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan’s characters.
Her Life Beyond the Screen
Anderson and Burt Reynolds were married for five years before divorcing in 1993 after a highly publicized split.
Court records show Burt paid her over $230,000 to settle the case.
Loni’s death leaves behind a legacy of beloved characters, timeless beauty, and trailblazing roles for women in television.
She is survived by her family, who described her as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
