Loni Anderson: 10 things to know about the TV icon

Loni Anderson wasn’t just a television star, she was a pop culture force. Best remembered for her breakout role on WKRP in Cincinnati, she defied stereotypes and brought grace, wit, and strength to every performance. As tributes pour in following her death at age 79, here are 10 essential facts every fan should know about her remarkable life and career.

1. She Shot to Fame on WKRP in Cincinnati

Anderson became a household name as Jennifer Marlowe, the stylish and sharp-witted receptionist on the CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Airing from 1978 to 1982, the show gave her a platform to flip the “dumb blonde” trope on its head and earned her two Emmy nominations.

2. She Was a Beauty Queen Before Acting

Before Hollywood, Loni was crowned Miss Roseville in Minnesota and later competed in the Miss Minnesota pageant. Her classic beauty opened doors, but it was her talent that kept them open.

3. She Fought to Be Taken Seriously in Hollywood

Anderson often spoke about the challenges of being typecast. While praised for her looks, she insisted on playing characters who were smart and capable. Her success helped pave the way for more multidimensional female roles on television.

4. Her Marriage to Burt Reynolds Made Headlines

Loni Anderson’s second marriage, to actor Burt Reynolds, was one of Hollywood’s most high-profile relationships in the 1980s. The couple adopted a son, Quinton, but the marriage ended in a highly publicized and contentious divorce in 1994.

5. She Was Also a TV Movie Queen

Beyond sitcoms, Anderson starred in over 20 made-for-TV movies. From dramatic roles to comedy specials, she was a familiar face on primetime television well into the 1990s and early 2000s.

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6. She Advocated for Lung Health

A longtime anti-smoking advocate, Anderson became involved in lung disease awareness after her parents’ health battles. She partnered with organizations promoting lung cancer research and later supported COPD awareness.

7. Her Memoir Told Her Side of the Story

In 1995, Anderson released her memoir My Life in High Heels, where she opened up about fame, relationships, and surviving the chaos of celebrity life. The book gave fans rare insight into her private struggles and victories.

8. She Played Pamela Anderson’s Mom (Yes, Really)

In the 1990s, Loni appeared in the series V.I.P. alongside Pamela Anderson, playing her character’s mother. It was a playful nod to the generational torch-passing between two iconic blondes of television.

9. She Remarried and Found Peace Later in Life

In 2008, Anderson married musician Bob Flick, a founding member of the folk group The Brothers Four. The marriage, her fourth, was described as her happiest and most peaceful chapter.

10. Her Legacy Goes Beyond the Screen

Loni Anderson changed how women were portrayed on television. By refusing to be boxed into shallow roles, she became a role model for both her peers and future generations. Her passing in 2025 at age 79 marked the end of a glamorous, groundbreaking, and unforgettable career.