‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ Star Loni Anderson’s Cause of Death Revealed at 79

Hollywood is mourning the loss of actress Loni Anderson, best known for her iconic role as Jennifer Marlowe on the classic sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati.

According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Anderson’s cause of death was confirmed as metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma, an exceptionally rare and aggressive cancer that begins in the uterus and often spreads to the lungs and liver, causing life-threatening complications. No other contributing conditions were listed.

Her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, told Fox News Digital that Anderson passed away on August 3 at the age of 79 in a Los Angeles hospital, following a “prolonged” illness. She was surrounded by her devoted family in her final moments.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother,” her family shared in a statement.

A Journey from Minnesota to Hollywood Fame

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Anderson grew up with dreams of stardom. In 1975, she moved to Hollywood and began appearing in guest roles on popular shows such as The Love Boat, Three’s Company, and The Incredible Hulk. Her breakthrough came in 1978, when she was cast as the glamorous Jennifer Marlowe in WKRP in Cincinnati, a role that cemented her status as a television star and cultural icon.

Anderson once reflected on her fame in a 2021 interview with Fox News Digital:

“I never thought I’d be called a sex symbol. I was so serious when I started out. But I embraced it—it became part of my career, and I think I was lucky to play so many roles. Even my granddaughters laugh about it now.”

Remembered by Friends and Colleagues

Following her death, tributes poured in from friends and co-stars. Actress Barbara Eden, star of I Dream of Jeannie and one of Anderson’s longtime friends, expressed her grief to Fox News Digital:

“I feel very lonely now that she’s not here. Loni was kind, sweet, and such a good mother. You can’t say anything bad about her—she was just a wonderful human being.”

Eden fondly recalled meeting Anderson in 1981 while filming a Bob Hope special. Despite just meeting, Anderson had joked about her costume, sparking laughter that turned into the start of a decades-long friendship. “She was what my mother would call ‘a good egg,’” Eden said warmly.

Eden added that behind the glamorous image, Anderson was down-to-earth and fun-loving: “You wouldn’t think a glamour girl like Loni would be funny—but she was. And she was also a really good mother. She did a great job with everything in her life.”

Family and Legacy

In 1988, Anderson and her then-husband, actor Burt Reynolds, adopted their son Quinton Anderson Reynolds. She also raised a daughter who later became a school principal, a testament to her devotion to family as well as career.

For millions of fans, Anderson will forever be remembered as the witty and dazzling Jennifer Marlowe. For those who knew her personally, she will be cherished as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend—someone who balanced glamour and warmth with grace.

Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy as a television trailblazer and beloved icon will live on.