Hollywood is mourning the loss of Loni Anderson, the radiant star who brought wit, beauty & depth to her iconic role as Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati. She died at 79. Beloved by fans and respected by peers, Anderson’s passing marks the end of an era for more than one reason.
Loni’s fellow television icon, Barbara Eden, 93, shared an emotional Instagram post on Monday.
Barbara Reflects On Decades-Long Friendship With Loni
Barbara reflected on their decades-long friendship and Anderson’s legacy. “The news just came through that my dear friend Loni Anderson has passed. Like many, I am absolutely stunned and heartbroken,” Eden wrote.
“Our friendship has spanned many years, and news like this is never easy to hear or accept.”
“She Was a Real Talent”: Barbara Eden Reflects on Anderson’s Legacy
(Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)In her tribute, Eden praised Anderson’s sharp wit, work ethic, and charm, on and off the screen. “She was a real talent, with razor-sharp wit and a glowing sense of humor… but, even more than that, she had an impeccable work ethic,” Eden wrote.
“Even beyond that, Loni was a darling lady and a genuinely good person … I am truly at a loss for words.”
Eden also offered condolences to Anderson’s family, including her husband Bob Flick, daughter Deidra Hoffman, and son Quinton Anderson Reynolds. “Loni, you were one in a trillion, my friend, and even a trillion more,” she added.
A TV Icon Who Redefined the Blonde Bombshell
Getty (Vinnie Zuffante)Barbara Eden’s tribute echoes what countless fans and colleagues have long felt about Loni Anderson: she wasn’t just a gifted actress, she was a gracious, generous presence who left a lasting impact both on and off screen.
Anderson rose to fame in the late 1970s with her breakout role as Jennifer Marlowe on “WKRP in Cincinnati”, a part that blended classic glamour with sharp intelligence.
Her beauty turned heads, but it was her clever, confident portrayal that earned lasting respect. Her performance earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nods, establishing her as a standout in television history.
Admired by her peers and adored by audiences, Anderson’s passing closes the chapter on a career defined by strength, comic brilliance, and a legacy that royally challenged the limits of how women were seen in primetime television.
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‘I Dream of Jeannie’ Star Honors Longtime Friend Loni Anderson in Emotional Tribute