Passing and Family Statement
Television icon Loni Anderson died on August 3, 2025, in Los Angeles at the age of 79, just two days before her 80th birthday. Her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, confirmed her death to The Daily Beast.
Her family issued a statement saying, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother.” The news prompted tributes across social media, including from Barbara Eden, who shared, “The news just came through that my dear friend Loni Anderson has passed. Like many, I am absolutely stunned and heartbroken.”
Illness and Health Struggles
In the months leading up to her death, Anderson faced what her publicist described as an “acute prolonged illness.” While details of her condition were not disclosed, reports suggested that she had battled Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) for years.
COPD, a serious lung condition often associated with smoking, was a cause close to Anderson’s heart. She became a national spokesperson for COPD awareness after losing both of her parents, Maxine and Andy, to illnesses linked to smoking and cancer.
Despite her health challenges, Anderson continued to work and remained active in advocacy efforts. Sources close to her family said she had been hospitalized intermittently over the past year, yet her humor and determination never wavered.
Rise to Stardom
Born Loni Kaye Anderson on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, she grew up in a family that blended science and style. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, she moved to Los Angeles in 1975 to pursue acting.
Her breakthrough came in 1978 with the CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, where she played Jennifer Marlowe, a sharp and witty receptionist. The role earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations, redefining the “blonde bombshell” archetype into a character celebrated for intelligence and charm. She reprised the role in the 1993 reboot, further cementing her pop culture legacy.
Acclaimed Career and Screen Presence
Anderson’s career extended well beyond WKRP in Cincinnati. She portrayed Jayne Mansfield in The Jayne Mansfield Story (1980), starred with Burt Reynolds in Stroker Ace (1983), and appeared alongside Steve Martin in The Lonely Guy (1984). She also voiced Flo in the animated classic All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989) and took on dramatic roles such as White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd (1991).
She remained a familiar face on television with appearances in Melrose Place, Easy Street, The Love Boat, and The Bob Newhart Show. Her final credited role was in 2023, when she reunited with Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild, and Nicollette Sheridan for the Lifetime holiday special Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas.
In addition to acting, Anderson wrote the 1995 memoir My Life In Heels, which became a New York Times best-seller. Her work in both television and theater highlighted her versatility and enduring appeal.
Personal Life and Family
Anderson’s personal life drew significant public attention. She was married four times, beginning with Bruce Hasselberg, with whom she had her daughter, Deidra. She later married actor Ross Bickell, followed by a high-profile marriage to Burt Reynolds in 1988, during which they adopted their son Quinton. Although their relationship ended in divorce in 1993, Anderson said they made peace before Reynolds’s death in 2018.
Her fourth and final marriage was to Bob Flick, a founding member of the folk group The Brothers Four. The couple married in 2008 and remained together until her passing in 2025. Those close to her described her as deeply devoted to her family throughout her life.
Advocacy and Legacy
Anderson’s advocacy for lung health was driven by her parents’ struggles with smoking-related illnesses and COPD. She worked extensively to raise awareness, becoming a national spokesperson for COPD Together in 1999. She often spoke about sharing candid conversations with her children to discourage smoking.
Following her death, tributes poured in from friends and colleagues. Her longtime manager, Steve Sauer, remembered her as “a class act. Beautiful. Talented. Witty. ALWAYS a joy to be around.” Morgan Fairchild recalled her warmth on set, while others shared that Anderson kept her humor alive, quoting Jennifer Marlowe one-liners even during her final weeks.
Anderson is survived by her husband Bob Flick; her daughter, Deidra Hoffman, and son-in-law, Charlie Hoffman; her son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds; and her grandchildren, McKenzie and Megan Hoffman. She is also survived by her stepson Adam Flick, his wife Helene, and their children Felix and Maximilian.
Final Farewell
A private family service will take place at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, with a public Celebration of Life planned for a later date. Her family has requested donations in her memory to organizations supporting lung health and cancer research, including the National Lung Health Education Program and the American Cancer Society.
Loni Anderson leaves behind a legacy defined by talent, wit, and resilience. From her iconic television roles to her tireless advocacy, she will be remembered as a vibrant presence who inspired audiences and colleagues across generations.
