'WKRP in Cincinnati' Star Loni Anderson Dies At 79 After A 'Prolonged Illness'

One of the stars from Hollywood's Golden Age, Loni Anderson, has taken her final breath at 79.

The sensational actress died from an undisclosed condition on August 3, 2025, just two days before she turned 80. Her family and her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, confirmed her death in poignant statements.

Loni Anderson rose to fame for refusing to portray the stereotypical "dumb blonde" character on the sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati." She was married four times and is survived by her fourth husband, Bob Flick, and two children from her previous marriages.

Anderson's publicist announced her passing in a statement, revealing the actress died at noon on August 3 in Los Angeles from "an acute prolonged illness." Details about her hidden health battle are yet to be revealed, but her death has sparked renewed interest in her life and iconic career.

The late entertainer became a household name for portraying Jennifer Marlowe, a clever radio station receptionist on "WKRP in Cincinnati." She initially turned down the role for making the character a stereotypical "dumb blonde," recalling in a 2020 interview that she refused to embody such labels.

"I went in and sat on my little soapbox and said, 'I don't want to play this part because she's just here to deliver messages and is window dressing,'" Anderson claimed, per The Hollywood Reporter, noting her arguments impressed the show's creator, Hugh Wilson. "He said, 'Let's make her look like Lana Turner and be the smartest person in the room.'"

Anderson's refusal to portray Jennifer as she was initially written became the reason the show stood out from the rest. She starred on all but one of the sitcom's 90 episodes, which earned her nominations for three Golden Globe Awards and two Emmy Awards.

After the show's four-season run through April 1982, Anderson starred as Pembrook Feeny alongside her third ex-husband, Burt Reynolds, in "Stroker Ace." The former couple first met in 1981 on "The Merv Griffin Show" while she was still married to her second ex-husband, Ross Bickell.

Steve Sauer, Anderson's manager for 30 years, reflected on her life and career in a statement following her death. "Loni was a class act. Beautiful. Talented. Witty. ALWAYS a joy to be around. She was the ultimate working mother. Family first … and maintained a great balance with her career," he claimed.

Anderson's family similarly confirmed her death in a statement, noting, "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother." RealityTea reported the late actress died at a Los Angeles hospital following her undisclosed prolonged illness.

The TV personality, born on August 5, 1945, was the daughter of environmental chemist Klaydon Carl "Andy" Anderson and former model Maxine Hazel. She made her acting debut in the 1966 film "Nevada Smith" but couldn't find her place in the spotlight.

After a decade of unemployment, Anderson returned to the entertainment industry and made several guest appearances in TV series like "S.W.A.T.," "Phyllis," and "Police Woman."

Her big break came in "WKRP in Cincinnati," which increased her net worth. She also made money from her hit memoir "My Life in High Heels."

Anderson reportedly had an estimated net worth of $13 million in 2025, money she accumulated from her time as an actress and her autobiography. Outside the entertainment industry, she made waves for her vibrant personality and relationships, including four marriages.

The Hollywood veteran first tied the knot in 1964 to real estate developer Bruce Hasselberg. They welcomed one daughter, Deidra, before their short-lived union ended in 1966. Anderson moved on with actor Ross Bickell, saying their vows in 1974 and concluding their chapter together in 1981.

Anderson, per Wikipedia, tied the knot to her third husband, actor Burt Reynolds, in 1988. They adopted one child, a son named Quinton, before their romance ended bitterly in 1994.

After three divorces, Anderson finally found an everlasting love with her fourth and final husband, Bob Flick, one of the founding members of the folk band The Brothers Four.

Anderson revealed in her memoir that her father initially planned to name her Leilani. However, he changed his mind after realizing her name could be mispronounced as "Lay" Lani and settled for Loni, a moniker that matched her beauty and brains.

While growing up in suburban Roseville, Minnesota, Anderson attended Alexander Ramsey Senior High School, where she was voted Queen of the Valentine's Day Winter Formal of 1963.

Her beauty continued to pave her path to success as she was offered her iconic role after a red swimsuit poster. Hugh Wilson, the sitcom's creator, was reportedly impressed by Anderson's beauty in the poster.

He claimed she got the role because her body resembled Jayne Mansfield's and possessed the innocent sexuality of Marilyn Monroe. However, Anderson's acting skills blew showrunners away, so they agreed to increase her salary.

Loni Anderson will be honored in a private family service at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Rest in peace, Queen!

This story is developing. More to come.