Loni Anderson, an acclaimed American actress, has passed away.
American Actress Loni Anderson Passes Away at 79
American actress Loni Anderson, best known for her iconic role as Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982), passed away peacefully at the age of 79 in a Los Angeles hospital on Sunday. The news was confirmed by her representative to dpa.
Beyond her time on WKRP in Cincinnati, Anderson built a diverse and enduring career primarily in television and film. She earned two Emmy and three Golden Globe nominations throughout her career.
Anderson's screen career began with a small role in the 1966 film Nevada Smith, but she found steady work in the 1970s with guest spots in series such as S.W.A.T., Police Woman, Phyllis, and Harry O before landing her breakout role on WKRP in Cincinnati.
Post-WKRP, Anderson continued working steadily. She starred in the short-lived sitcom Easy Street, played the Hollywood bombshell Jayne Mansfield in the 1980 TV movie The Jayne Mansfield Story, and appeared in various TV movies, including A Letter to Three Wives and White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd. Anderson also had guest appearances on popular series like Melrose Place and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. She acted in films like Stroker Ace alongside Burt Reynolds, her then-husband.
In 2023, Anderson returned to prominence with the Lifetime movie Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas, sharing the screen with notable actresses Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild, and Nicollette Sheridan.
On the personal front, Anderson was married multiple times, most famously to actor Burt Reynolds. She authored a memoir titled My Life in High Heels, discussing her personal challenges, motherhood, and health advocacy. Anderson was a passionate advocate for COPD awareness, motivated by her parents’ struggles with the disease. She accumulated an estimated net worth of around $12 million through acting and savvy real estate investments, including selling properties in Beverly Hills and Sherman Oaks for substantial sums.
Anderson's death follows a long illness, though no further information about the cause of her death was provided in the report. Her representative told U.S. media about her long illness, but no additional information about Anderson's health was disclosed. The location of Anderson's death was not specified beyond it being in a Los Angeles hospital.
As we remember Loni Anderson, we celebrate her life as a trailblazing actress and television icon who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. She will be deeply missed.
Sources:
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Variety
- People
- IMDb
- TV Guide
Loni Anderson, a celebrated actress in the entertainment industry, made a significant impact with her roles in popular TV shows and films, often sharing the screen with notable celebrities. Throughout her career, she acted alongside the likes of Burt Reynolds in movies like 'Stroker Ace.'
