Loni Anderson Biography
Early Life & Background
- Born Loni Kaye Anderson on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Klaydon Carl “Andy” Anderson (an environmental chemist) and Maxine Hazel (née Kallin), a former model
- She grew up in Roseville, Minnesota, and as a high school senior was named Queen of the Valentine’s Day Winter Formal in 1963
- Her father originally considered naming her “Leilani,” but later simplified it to Loni, anticipating teasing during her teenage years
Rise to Stardom
- Loni made her film debut with a cameo in Nevada Smith (1966) starring Steve McQueen
- After years of various guest roles on shows like S.W.A.T., Police Woman, Phyllis, and Harry O. (1970s), she landed her breakthrough role as Jennifer Marlowe—the savvy and glamorous receptionist on WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982), a part that earned her three Golden Globe and two Emmy nominations
Notable Roles & Later Career
- Stars in The Jayne Mansfield Story (1980), Stroker Ace (1983, alongside Burt Reynolds), The Lonely Guy (1984), and White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd (1991)
- Headlined the sitcom Easy Street (1986–1987) as L.K. McGuire
- Took on roles in Nurses (Season 3, 1993) and reprised Jennifer Marlowe in The New WKRP in Cincinnati (early 1990s)
- Her final onscreen appearance was in the 2023 Lifetime holiday film Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas
Personal Life & Advocacy
- Anderson was married four times—Bruce Hasselberg (1964–1966), Ross Bickell (1974–1981), Burt Reynolds (1988–1994), and Bob Flick (2008 until her passing)
- She had two children: daughter Deidra (with Hasselberg) and adopted son Quinton (with Reynolds)
- Published a candid autobiography, My Life in High Heels, in 1995
- Became a vocal advocate for COPD awareness, motivated by witnessing the effects of smoking within her own family; she participated in various health and philanthropic campaigns
Final Years & Legacy
- Loni passed away on August 3, 2025, in Los Angeles after a prolonged illness—just two days before her 80th birthday
- She is remembered for redefining the “glamorous receptionist” archetype with intelligence and charm, leaving a lasting mark on television histoy
Summary Table
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Born | August 5, 1945, Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Breakout Role | Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982) |
| Major Works | Stroker Ace, The Jayne Mansfield Story, Easy Street, Nurses, Ladies of the ’80s |
| Marriages | Hasselberg, Bickell, Reynolds, Flick |
| Children | Deidra and Quinton |
| Advocacy | COPD awareness |
| Died | August 3, 2025, Los Angeles |