Loni Anderson, the Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actress best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe in the hit CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has died at the age of 79. The actress passed away on 3 August 2025 at a hospital in Los Angeles following what her publicist described as a 'prolonged illness.'
The news was confirmed in a family statement released by her long-time representative, Cheryl J. Kagan, noting that Anderson died surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her two children and husband, musician Bob Flick.
Cause of Death Remains Described as 'Prolonged Illness'
While an exact medical cause of death has not been disclosed publicly, her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, told Deadline that the cause of death was 'an acute prolonged illness.' The lack of specific details has led to speculation, but reports confirm Anderson had faced ongoing health challenges in recent years.
Notably, she was a vocal advocate for lung health awareness, having campaigned for COPD prevention due to her parents' experience with the disease. However, there is no confirmed link between her advocacy and the illness that led to her passing.
A Role That Redefined Sitcom Stereotypes
Anderson rose to national fame in 1978 when she debuted as Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati. The show ran until 1982 and became a pop culture staple. Her portrayal of the smart, confident and glamorous receptionist earned Anderson critical acclaim and widespread recognition.
During her time on the sitcom, Anderson received two Primetime Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations. Her character became iconic not just for her looks but also for redefining how women in comedy could be portrayed. WKRP in Cincinnati itself earned ten Emmy nominations and helped launch Anderson into sustained success in Hollywood.
Television and Film Work Beyond 'WKRP'
Anderson remained active in the entertainment industry long after her WKRP success. She starred in several made-for-television films including A Letter to Three Wives and White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd. She also played a voice role in the animated feature All Dogs Go to Heaven.
Later in her career, Anderson made appearances in shows such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Baby Daddy, and the web series My Sister Is So Gay. Her final on-screen role was in the 2023 Lifetime movie Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas.
Loni Anderson's Net Worth and Career Legacy
At the time of her death, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Loni Anderson's net worth was estimated at around $12 million. Her wealth was attributed to a career spanning more than four decades, which included acting salaries, voice work, real estate assets, and financial settlements from her previous marriages.
Although much of her media coverage focused on her relationship with actor Burt Reynolds, Anderson continued to build and maintain her financial legacy independently after their high-profile divorce in the 1990s.
A Mother of Two: Family Survivors
Anderson leaves behind two children: daughter Deidra Hoffman, from her first marriage to Bruce Hasselberg, and son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, whom she adopted with Burt Reynolds. The actress had been married four times, with her final and lasting marriage to Bob Flick, a founding member of the folk group The Brothers Four.
In their public statement, her family described her as a 'beloved wife, mother and grandmother.'
