Loni Anderson's Life after Playing Jennifer Marlowe in 'WKRP in Cincinnati'

May 2024 · 4 minute read

She has been one of the most beautiful women on television who during the ‘70, ‘80 and ’90 played Jennifer Marlowe, and her marriage to Burt Reynolds helped her to be in the spotlight.

Loni Kaye Anderson was born on August 5, 1946, in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. UU. daughter of Maxine Hazel, model, and Klaydon Carl "Andy" Anderson, environmental chemist, and since she was 9 years old, she knew she wanted to become an actress.

As a senior student at Alexander Ramsey Senior High School, she was voted the Queen of Valentine's Day. She studied art at the University of Minnesota, participated and won hidden beauty contests, including a runner-up from Miss Minnesota.

Loni Anderson I Getty Images

STARTING HER CAREER

She made her acting debut with a role in the movie "Nevada Smith," alongside Steve McQueen. But after the film, she was unemployed for almost a decade, until she finally achieved guest roles in television series in the mid-1970s.

Loni appeared in "S.W.A.T.," and "Phyllis," as well as "Police Woman" and "Harry O." In 1978, she starred in an episode of the popular comedy “Three's Company.” This paper caught the attention of a large television network.

SUCCESS ACHIEVED

Anderson was the sensual receptionist Jennifer Marlowe in the sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati” from 1978 to 1982. She was offered the role after the producers saw her poster in a red swimsuit, much like Farrah Fawcett's.

Loni Anderson I Image: Getty Images

Although she received unfavorable grades during those four years, she had the fidelity of teenagers, young adults, and DJs. Due to her growing popularity, she decided to request a substantial improvement in her contract during the 1980 recess.

Meanwhile, she played the role of the blonde bombshell Jayne Mansfield in the movie "The Jayne Mansfield Story." She returned to the series until its cancellation. She made a movie with Burt Reynolds, with whom she starred in the comedy film "Stroker Ace, ”which was a critical and box office failure.

She later appeared as herself in the romantic comedy "The Lonely Guy," starring Steve Martin. She also gave voice to Flo, a collie in the classic animated film "All Dogs Go to Heaven." She earned two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations for her performance in “WKRP in Cincinnati.”

CAREER DECLINE

In the 1980s, Anderson's acting career gradually decreased. He partnered with the "Wonder Woman" actress, Lynda Carter, in the television series "Partners in Crime." He appeared in television adaptations of classic Hollywood movies, such as "A Letter to Three Wives” and "Sorry, Wrong Number."

Anderson has been a guest star on several popular television series, such as "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" and "V.I.P." He also starred in the comedy film "A Night at the Roxbury."

In 1997, she published her autobiography "My Life in High Heels." Also the role of Tori Spelling's materialist mother in "So noTORIous," which did not have the approval of Spelling's mother in real life.

Loni Anderson I Image: Getty Images

PERSONAL LIFE

At the age of 18, Loni married Bruce Hasselbeck. Shortly after, Anderson and Hasselbeck had their daughter Deidra. However, the marriage was short-lived, and the couple divorced in 1966. Anderson took a job as a school teacher to support her baby while finishing college.

In 1973, Loni remarried an aspiring actor like her, Ross Bickell. The ambitious couple decided to move from Minnesota to Los Angeles in 1975 to get more film and television work. Anderson dyed her hair a characteristic blond during this period.

While her professional life was thriving, Anderson's personal life was in danger. Her fame led to the dissolution of her second marriage and, in 1981, Bickell and Anderson divorced.

Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds in 1987 I Image: Getty Images

Her marriage to Burt Reynolds in 1988 put the duo in the spotlight in Hollywood. Anderson's high profile marriage with Reynolds began happily. The couple adopted son Quinton together.

But then the relationship quickly dissolved into an unpleasant divorce. The battle for the custody of the couple for their son and the accusations of a painful marriage was news until the couple's official divorce in 1994.

Read also

How Burt Reynolds’ Divorce Turned Him into a Bankrupt Actor, Selling His Own Stuff

How Burt Reynolds’ Divorce Turned Him into a Bankrupt Actor, Selling His Own Stuff

Mariska Hargitay's Sister Followed in Their Mom's Footsteps – She's Beautiful & Keeps a Low Profile at 72

SHE STILL KEEP HER SHINE

On May 17, 2008, Loni remarried for the fourth time, this time with her old friend Bob Flick. Flick was one of the founding members of the folk band “The Brothers Four.” The couple lives together in Hollywood, California.

Although he no longer appears on television, Loni continues to maintain the lifestyle of Hollywood stars by reaching the red carpet of different galas, premieres, and charity events.

There is no doubt that with 74 years she is still beautiful, being part of the new generation of women who are grandmothers and that is why they are still sexy and attractive. We hope that soon Loni can be seen again in television production at her height.

ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jmpvaWxpbnqtu82iZJqmlJq%2FtLvNrGSloZaaerG4wLKgp59dn7KvusifnKtlnZa%2Fb7TTpqM%3D