Did Loni Anderson Die? ‘WKRP’ Star Dies at 79 After Illness
Loni Anderson Has Died at 79
Loni Anderson, best known for playing the smart and stylish receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the hit '70s sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, died on August 3, 2025. She was 79, just two days shy of turning 80.
Her family shared that she passed away in a Los Angeles hospital after dealing with a long illness. “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” they said in a statement. For those who saw rumors online asking “Did Loni Anderson die?” — yes, she has, and her death has now been confirmed by her family and major news outlets.
A TV Star Who Made an Impact
Anderson became a household name during her run on WKRP in Cincinnati, which aired from 1978 to 1982. Her role as Jennifer Marlowe earned her several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She kept acting through the years, showing up in shows like Nurses, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and more recently in a Lifetime holiday movie, Ladies of the '80s.
She was also known for her high-profile marriage to actor Burt Reynolds in the 1980s. The two adopted a son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds. Although their marriage ended in divorce, Anderson remained active in Hollywood and in causes she cared about. At the time of her death, her estimated net worth was around $12 million.
More Than a Pretty Face
While Anderson was often described as a "sex symbol" of her time, she brought brains and charm to every role. In fact, she once said, “I never thought I’d be a sex symbol. I just took what came my way.” On WKRP, her character was both beautiful and smart, and she challenged the way women were often portrayed on TV back then.
Outside of acting, she became an advocate for lung health after both of her parents suffered from COPD (a serious lung disease). She used her fame to raise awareness and speak at events, becoming a respected voice on the issue.
Why People Are Still Talking About Her
Decades after WKRP in Cincinnati aired, Loni Anderson’s character remains memorable for being ahead of her time. She played a woman who was confident, sharp, and unafraid to speak up. That’s part of why fans still look her up today — searching “Loni Anderson today,” “Loni Anderson WKRP,” and even wondering about her health and whether she had passed away.
As one of the few actresses of that era to mix comedy with social awareness, Anderson made her mark. She also stayed active in her later years, reminding people that aging in Hollywood doesn’t have to mean disappearing.
A Lasting Legacy
Loni Anderson brought both heart and humor to everything she did. Her performances stood out, but so did her kindness and her advocacy work. As fans remember her, many are revisiting old episodes of WKRP, sharing memories online, and supporting causes she cared about.
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