Loni Anderson, Iconic 'Wkrp In Cincinnati' Star, Passes Away At 79 In La

Remembering Loni Anderson: A SoCal Send-Off to a TV Legend

Hollywood is mourning one of its brightest stars today as Loni Anderson, the unforgettable blonde bombshell from 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' passed away at noon on Sunday, Aug. 3, at the age of 79. The St. Paul, Minn., native took her final bow in a Los Angeles hospital, surrounded by loved ones, just two days shy of her 80th birthday on Aug. 5. Her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, confirmed the heartbreaking news to Entertainment Weekly, and the City of Angels feels a little dimmer without her iconic glow.

Anderson’s family shared their grief in a touching statement, saying they’re devastated to lose their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Her journey from a small-town dreamer to a household name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is the kind of story that defines the SoCal spirit - grit, glamour, and a whole lotta heart.

From Minnesota to Malibu Vibes: Anderson’s Early Hustle

Born in 1945 to an environmental chemist dad, Klaydon Anderson, and a model mom, Maxine Hazel, Loni was destined for the spotlight. She kicked off her career at just 10 years old in musical theater, later studying at the University of Minnesota before making her way to the West Coast. Her first Hollywood gig was a small role in the 1966 Steve McQueen Western 'Nevada Smith,' but let’s just say the road to fame wasn’t a smooth cruise down Sunset Boulevard.

Anderson faced rejection after rejection, once quipping to Ability magazine in 2007 that aspiring actors better get cozy with the word 'no.' But this Minnesota gal didn’t back down. By the early ‘70s, she was gracing stages in productions like 'Can-Can' and 'Fiddler on the Roof,' while snagging guest spots on classic shows like 'S.W.A.T.,' 'The Love Boat,' and 'Three’s Company' - all before she became the queen of the small screen.

“I always believed in breaking stereotypes - being sexy and smart wasn’t a contradiction, and I’m proud Jennifer Marlowe showed the world that,” Anderson reflected in a 2023 chat with Us magazine.

Blonde Ambition: The 'WKRP in Cincinnati' Breakout

In 1978, Anderson flipped her brunette locks to blonde and landed the role that would make her a legend - Jennifer Marlowe on ABC’s 'WKRP in Cincinnati.' Playing the sharp-witted receptionist who was always the smartest person in the room, she redefined what a glamorous woman could be on TV. Show creator Hugh Wilson wanted a Lana Turner lookalike with brains to match, and Anderson delivered with a performance that had all of LA buzzing.

Her character became the beating heart of the fictional radio station, dishing out morale and charm while outsmarting the often sleazy dudes around her. With two Emmy nods for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 1980 and 1981, plus three Golden Globe nominations, Anderson was the breakout star of the show’s four-season run on CBS, even if she didn’t snag the big wins (shoutout to Loretta Swit and Eileen Brennan for stealing those trophies).

Hollywood Drama: Salary Battles and Silver Screen Moves

Anderson wasn’t just a pretty face - she knew her worth. In 1980, she stepped away from 'WKRP' over a salary dispute, only to return after scoring a well-deserved raise that had Hollywood talking. During her hiatus, she starred in the CBS TV movie 'The Jayne Mansfield Story,' kicking off a string of roles revisiting old Hollywood tales with a fresh twist.

From remakes of classics like 'A Letter to Three Wives' to playing silent film star Thelma Todd in 1991’s 'White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd,' Anderson carved out a niche as a queen of nostalgia. Her SoCal swagger shone through every role, proving she could hold her own on any red carpet or backlot.

Love, Loss, and LA Romance with Burt Reynolds

Off-screen, Anderson’s life was just as headline-worthy as any Melrose Place plotline. Her high-profile romance with Burt Reynolds, starting in 1982, turned heads across town. The power couple starred together in the 1983 action-comedy 'Stroker Ace' and tied the knot in 1988, marking Anderson’s third marriage after unions with Bruce Hasselberg and Ross Bickell.

Their Malibu-style drama played out in the tabloids until their divorce in 1994. Anderson stayed single for years before finding lasting love with musician Bob Flick, who stood by her side until the end. Her personal life was a rollercoaster, but she always rode it with the kind of grace you’d expect from a true LA icon.

Later Roles and Lasting Legacy in Tinseltown

Anderson kept the hustle alive well into the ‘90s and beyond, reprising Jennifer Marlowe on 'The New WKRP in Cincinnati' in 1991-92 and popping up on shows like 'Empty Nest' and its spinoff 'Nurses.' From playing Denise Richards’ mom on 'Melrose Place' Season 4 to stealing scenes in 'A Night at the Roxbury,' her four-decade career was pure Hollywood magic.

She guest-starred everywhere from 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' to 'Clueless,' and even took on starring roles in short-lived sitcoms like 'The Mullets' and 'So Notorious.' A passionate advocate for COPD awareness, Anderson also penned a juicy tell-all, 'My Life in High Heels,' in 1995, giving fans a peek behind the curtain of her wild ride through showbiz.

A Final Farewell to an LA Icon

Anderson leaves behind her husband Bob Flick, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, daughter Deidra Hoffman, son-in-law Charlie Hoffman, and a big, beautiful family of stepchildren and grandchildren. Her impact on TV and film - not to mention her fierce spirit - will echo through the Hollywood Hills for years to come.

As we say goodbye to this SoCal legend, let’s remember the woman who showed us that brains and beauty aren’t mutually exclusive. Whether she was running the show at WKRP or lighting up the screen in LA, Loni Anderson was, and always will be, the smartest bombshell in the room.