Loni Anderson wasn’t just a beloved television star — she was 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 ex-husband Burt Reynolds.
Here’s everything to know about the late star, her children, and more below.
Who Was Loni Anderson?
Loni was an Emmy-nominated American actress, born on August 5, 1945. She rose to fame for her role as Jennifer Marlowe, the glamorous yet quick-witted receptionist on the hit sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Her portrayal of the smart, savvy character broke stereotypes and made her a television icon in the late 1970s and early ’80s. Reflecting on the character in a 2017 Australian interview, Anderson said she “was against being like a blonde window dressing person” and made her feelings known early on. “As we know, Jennifer was the smartest person in the room,” she said, adding that the role became “a great groundbreaking kind of character for women to be glamorous and smart.”
Beyond her breakout role, Anderson appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including Easy Street, Nurses, and Stroker Ace.
How Many Times Was Loni Anderson Married?
Loni was married four times. Her husbands included Bruce Hasselberg (1964–1966), Ross Bickell (1973–1981), actor Burt Reynolds (1988–1993), and musician Bob Flick (2008–2025), whom she remained with until her death.
How Many Children Did Loni Anderson Have?
Loni was the mother of two and a proud stepmother to a third. She had her daughter Deidra from her first marriage, and adopted her son, Quinton, with Burt. She also became a stepmother to Bob Flick’s son, Adam Flick.
Why Did Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds Get Divorced?
Loni and Burt divorced in 1993 after five years of marriage. The split was widely covered by the media, with tensions reportedly stemming from 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.
What Was Loni Anderson’s Cause of Death?
Loni died on August 3, 2025, at the age of 79, following an “acute prolonged illness,” according to her publicist Cheryl J. Kagan. While her family confirmed her passing, they did not disclose additional details about the illness.