American actress Loni Anderson has died just days before her 80th birthday.
The star is the former wife of Burt Reynolds, and she played a receptionist in the hit TV comedy WKRP In Cincinnati.
Anderson’s family released a statement just yesterday, confirming that the actress passed away in the hospital.
They said: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother.”
Anderson starred on the big screen alongside her former husband Reynolds in the 1983 comedy, Stroker Ace.
The pair later got married in 1983, and became a power couple in the media.
They adopted a son, Quinton Reynolds, before divorcing in 1994.
During the unveiling of a bronze bust at Reynolds’ Hollywood grave site in 2021, the star noted that Quinton was ‘the best decision that we ever made in our entire relationship.’
Anderson also had a daughter named Deidra Hoffman, with her first husband Bruce Hasselberg.
‘My Life In High Heels’ was the title of the actress’s 1995 autobiography, in which she detailed her tumultuous marriage to Reynolds.
Speaking about the book, Anderson said: “It’s about my childhood, the death of my parents, my career, my divorces, and my children.
“Then of course, the trauma of my marriage to Burt.
“I think if you’re going to write about yourself, you have to do it warts and all.”
She added: “You may not even tell the nicest things about yourself, because you’re telling the truth.”
But it seems the star had numerous attempts at relationships, as she was married four times throughout her life – most recently to Bob Flick in 2008.
Anderson’s role as s**y and smart receptionist Jennifer Marlowe in WKRP In Cincinnati earned her two Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe nominations.
The comedy series was set in a struggling Ohio radio station, that was trying to reinvent itself with rock music.
The character of Jennifer used her s** appeal to deflect unwanted business calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson.
Anderson also starred in the short-lived comedy series Easy Street, and appeared in made-for-TV films including A Letter To Three Wives, and White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd.
The actress was born on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and her first role was a small part in the 1966 film Nevada Smith.
Anderson’s death comes as a result of an ‘acute prolonged illness.’
Her family added: “Notably, she had been vocal in raising awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“Her parents were heavy smokers, and she became their primary caregiver before their death.”
COPD is a progressive lung condition that obstructs breathing.
It is a more general term for certain types of lung or airway damage, and smoking is the most common cause.
