Loni Kaye Anderson first lit up American television screens in the late 1970s as Jennifer Marlowe, the stylish and unflappable receptionist on “WKRP in Cincinnati.” Born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1945, Anderson quickly became a household name thanks to her platinum blonde hair, infectious charm, and razor-sharp wit. The iconic sitcom, which aired from 1978 to 1982, marked the beginning of what would become a wide-ranging career in entertainment.
Of course, “WKRP” was just the springboard. Anderson showed off her versatility in films like “Stroker Ace” (opposite Burt Reynolds) and “The Lonely Guy,” as well as in a slew of TV movies – most notably, taking the lead in “White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd.” She also starred alongside Lynda Carter in the series “Partners in Crime.” Whether in comedy or drama, Anderson’s ability to balance glamour with a relatable sense of humor set her apart from her contemporaries.
Off screen, Anderson has always maintained a certain level of privacy, even as her romantic life occasionally made headlines. Her relationship with Burt Reynolds, in particular, became tabloid fodder throughout the 1980s.
Love and Marriage
Today, Loni Anderson is married to Bob Flick, a founding member of the folk group The Brothers Four. Their story has the sweet spark of a movie plot: they originally met at a movie premiere in the 1960s, but didn’t connect romantically until decades later. They married in 2008, and by all accounts, their life together has been steady and decidedly more private than Anderson’s earlier marriages.
Anderson’s path to finding lasting love was far from straightforward. She wed actor Ross Bickell in 1973 – the same year she began to catch Hollywood’s attention – and their marriage lasted until 1981, overlapping with the launch and rise of her “WKRP” fame. There was also a brief, often overlooked marriage to Geoffrey Mark between 1975 and 1976.
But it was Anderson’s relationship with Burt Reynolds that truly captured public fascination. They met on a talk show and began a relationship that led to marriage in 1988. Their union was marked by glamour, public appearances, and ultimately a very public and difficult breakup in 1993. The divorce was messy, splashed across headlines, with both parties airing their grievances. During their time together, they adopted a son, Quinton – an experience Anderson has spoken about with pride and affection.
Rumors about other romances – including with some of her co-stars – have circulated over the years, but Anderson has chosen discretion, keeping most such stories out of the limelight.
She shared some of her experiences in her 1995 memoir, “My Life in High Heels,” offering honest reflections on her relationships without descending into sensationalism. The book provides glimpses into the challenges she faced balancing her career and personal life – always in her trademark tactful style.
Now in her late seventies, Anderson still pops up on television from time to time, most recently in a playful guest role on “The Middle” that nodded to her famous bombshell persona. She continues to embrace her career and personal happiness, relishing a quieter life with Flick after decades under the glare of the Hollywood spotlight.
Past Relationships
Bob Flick
Gary Sandy
Burt Reynolds
Ross Bickell
Bruce Hasselbeck
From Minnesota to Hollywood and through all the twists and turns of fame and love, Loni Anderson’s story remains one of resilience, humor, and a remarkable knack for holding onto grace – no matter what the headlines bring.