Loni Anderson, star of “WKRP in Cincinnati,” dies at 79 after long illness


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Summary

Loni Anderson passes away at 79

The beloved star of "WKRP in Cincinnati" died in Los Angeles after a prolonged illness, just days before her 80th birthday.

Award-nominated career and personal life

Anderson was recognized with multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Family and friends mourn her loss

Survived by her husband, children, stepchildren and grandchildren, Anderson's passing was met with heartfelt tributes from friends and plans for a private family service.


Star of the 1980s hit “WKRP in Cincinnati”, Loni Anderson has died. A publicist for the family said Anderson died at a Los Angeles hospital following a “prolonged illness.”

She would have been 80 years old on Tuesday, Aug.5.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement.

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Anderson was recognized with two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on the popular sitcom.

She married her “Stroker Ace” co-star, Burt Reynolds, in 1983. The two divorced in 1994.

FILE – In this Dec. 5, 1984 file photo, actors Clint Eastwood, from left, with Sondra Locke on his arm, and Burt Reynolds, escorting Loni Anderson, arrive for the world premiere of “City Heat” in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Doug Pizac, File)

Anderson’s closest friends shared their sadness on social media. 

“The news just came through that my dear friend Loni Anderson has passed,” actor Barbara Eden posted on X. “Like many, I am absolutely stunned and heartbroken. Our friendship has spanned many years, and news like this is never easy to hear or accept.”

Actor Morgan Fairchild shared her sympathies as well :“#OnMyWalk to memories of lovely Loni Anderson, one of the genuinely nicest ladies I’ve ever worked with, on set of our Christmas movie with Donna Mills. We had so much fun on this! She will be greatly missed!”

Anderson is survived by her husband Bob Flick, daughter Deidra and son-in law Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and his wife Helene, step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.

According to Anderson’s publicist, a private family service is planned at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

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Why this story matters

Loni Anderson’s death marks the loss of a widely recognized television figure whose work and public presence spanned decades and influenced American entertainment culture.

Television legacy

Loni Anderson was known for her acclaimed role on "WKRP in Cincinnati," earning multiple award nominations and leaving a lasting impression on the sitcom landscape.

Cultural impact

Her work in television and film, as well as her public presence, contributed to the fabric of entertainment and pop culture in the United States.

Tributes and remembrance

The public responses and messages from colleagues and friends highlight her personal and professional influence, reflecting the importance of her legacy to both her peers and fans.

Straight Arrow
Fear No Fact.

Don't just take our word for it.


Center-rated reporting

According to media bias experts at AllSides

AllSides Center-rated reporting May 2026

Transparent and credible

Awarded a perfect reliability rating from NewsGuard

100/100

Welcome back to trustworthy journalism.

Find out more