In memory of Loni Anderson: television icon and devoted mother
4 august 2025 в 12:13
Lonnie Anderson was not only a beloved television star, but also a devoted mother. Best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, the Emmy-nominated actress passed away on August 3, 2025 at the age of 79. While fans remember her glamorous presence on screen, her greatest pride was her family. Anderson had two children: daughter Deidra Hoffman from her first marriage, and son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, whom she adopted with her ex-husband Burt Reynolds.
Here is everything you need to know about the late star, her children, and more below.
Lonnie was an American actress nominated for an Emmy Award, born on August 5, 1945. She became known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe, a glamorous but witty receptionist on the popular sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Her portrayal of a smart, savvy character shattered stereotypes and made her a television icon in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Reflecting on the character in an interview for an Australian publication in 2017, Anderson said she «was against being just a blonde to decorate the window» and expressed her feelings from the start. «As we know, Jennifer was the smartest person in the room», - she said, adding that the role became «a great breakthrough character for women to be glamorous and smart».
In addition to her breakthrough role, Anderson appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including Easy Street, Nurses, and Stroker Ace.
Lonnie was married four times. Her husbands were Bruce Hasselberg (1964−1966), Ross Bickell (1973−1981), actor Burt Reynolds (1988−1993), and musician Bob Flick (2008−2025), with whom she remained until her death.
Lonnie was a mother of two and a proud stepmother to a third. She had a daughter Deidra from her first marriage, and she adopted her son Quinton with Burt. She also became a stepmother to Bob Flick’s son, Adam Flick.
Lonnie and Burt divorced in 1993 after five years of marriage. The divorce received widespread media coverage, with tension reportedly caused by financial disagreements and Burt’s infidelity. Anderson later described the marriage as emotionally painful. The couple also faced a custody battle over their adopted son, Quinton.
Lonnie passed away on August 3, 2025 at the age of 79 after a «prolonged acute illness», - according to her publicist Cheryl J. Kagan. While her family confirmed her passing, they did not disclose additional details about the illness
Here is everything you need to know about the late star, her children, and more below.
Lonnie was an American actress nominated for an Emmy Award, born on August 5, 1945. She became known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe, a glamorous but witty receptionist on the popular sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Her portrayal of a smart, savvy character shattered stereotypes and made her a television icon in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Reflecting on the character in an interview for an Australian publication in 2017, Anderson said she «was against being just a blonde to decorate the window» and expressed her feelings from the start. «As we know, Jennifer was the smartest person in the room», - she said, adding that the role became «a great breakthrough character for women to be glamorous and smart».
In addition to her breakthrough role, Anderson appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including Easy Street, Nurses, and Stroker Ace.
Lonnie was married four times. Her husbands were Bruce Hasselberg (1964−1966), Ross Bickell (1973−1981), actor Burt Reynolds (1988−1993), and musician Bob Flick (2008−2025), with whom she remained until her death.
Lonnie was a mother of two and a proud stepmother to a third. She had a daughter Deidra from her first marriage, and she adopted her son Quinton with Burt. She also became a stepmother to Bob Flick’s son, Adam Flick.
Lonnie and Burt divorced in 1993 after five years of marriage. The divorce received widespread media coverage, with tension reportedly caused by financial disagreements and Burt’s infidelity. Anderson later described the marriage as emotionally painful. The couple also faced a custody battle over their adopted son, Quinton.
Lonnie passed away on August 3, 2025 at the age of 79 after a «prolonged acute illness», - according to her publicist Cheryl J. Kagan. While her family confirmed her passing, they did not disclose additional details about the illness
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