Loni Anderson, best known for her groundbreaking Emmy and Golden Globe nominated role as the “sexy-yet-smartest-person-in-the-room receptionist” Jennifer Marlowe on the “hit” TV series “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died on Sunday, August 3rd at noon pst in Los Angeles following an acute prolonged illness. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan confirmed her death. Quote from the Family. “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.
Loni 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 wife Helene, step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
A private family service will be held at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery. followed by A Celebration of Life at a future date.
Over four decades, Loni Anderson starred in five additional TV series, seven feature films, nineteen Television movie and two min-series, plus a joyful return to her first love, musical theater. She also wrote and published The New York Times best-selling autobiography, My Life In High Heels.
While facing her diagnosis with determination, she continued working and co-starred in Lifetime’s “Ladies Of The 80’s: A Divas Christmas” with: Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild and Nicollette Sheridan. The popular TV movie aired on December 2, 2023 as part of a Wonderful Lifetime holiday slate.
Steve Sauer, President/CEO Media Four and Loni Anderson’s manager for 30 years stated, “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. She and I had wonderful adventures together that I shall forever cherish. I will especially miss that infectious chuckle of hers. She will be forever missed.”
Growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota, Loni’s secret ambition was to become an actress. She worked in community theater while raising her daughter Deidra as a single parent. She performed in: “Born Yesterday,” “Send Me No Flowers, “Play It Again Sam” and musicals including: “Fiddler On The Roof” (53 weeks running without missing a performance,) “Can Can,” “The Threepenny Opera,” “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “Showboat.”
In 1975 Anderson moved to Los Angeles with her second husband and daughter. “As much as I loved being on stage, I decided to move to L.A. to find work in Television and Film so I could work days because I really wanted to be there for my daughter,” the actress admitted. Loni landed a job two weeks later, on the one-hour drama “Swat.” In 1978, Loni co-starred in her first movie – “Three On A Date” costarring a legendary cast including: June Allyson, Ray Bolger, Gary Crosby and Carol Lawrence.
She continued to guest-star on other top TV shows including: “Three’s Company,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “The Love Boat,” The Bob Newhart Show, Police Story, Police Woman,” etc.
In February of 1978, the head of MTM Production and creator of WKRP in Cincinnati asked to see Loni. To accept the role, Loni insisted that the character be written against the stereotypical dumb blonde, originally presented to her in the script. Hugh Wilson, creator and producer, agreed, and Jennifer Marlowe, the beautiful blonde who was the smartest person in the room was born.
Loni Anderson became known as the “Queen of Made-for-TV Movies. Throughout the years, Anderson starred in many made-for-TV movies including: portraying Jayne Mansfield in “The Jayne Mansfield Story,” “White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd,” “The Gamber V (with Kenny Rogers)” etc.
In 1982 she co-starred in “Stroker Ace,” a feature film with future husband Burt Reynolds. Loni and Burt adopted their son Quinton Anderson Reynolds in August 1988 and the couple stated that they were “blessed” to have him in their lives.
In 1995, Loni’s autobiography, My Life In High Heels was published by William Morrow. The book reached the Best-Seller list of both The New York Times and Wall Street Journal.
On May 17, 2008 Loni Anderson married Bob Flick, a founding member of the 1960’s folk group The Brothers Four. The couple first met at a movie premiere in Minneapolis years earlier. Anderson’s son Quinton Reynolds walked his mom down the aisle.
Ms. Anderson has shown a passionate lifetime commitment to raising COPD Awareness with the National Lung Health Education Program and The American Cancer Society. Contributions in Loni Anderson’s name should be made to either organization.
Cheryl J. Kagan Ph – 310-701-3911
Image, Project, PR Consulting Cheryljkagan@gmail.com
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