Actress Loni Anderson, known for her starring role in "WKRP in Cincinnati," died at 79 from an extremely rare form of cancer called metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma, according to a report.
The cause of death of actress Loni Anderson, known for her starring role in "WKRP in Cincinnati," has been revealed.
In a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Anderson\'s cause of death was confirmed to be metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma, with no other contributing factors listed.
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma "is an extremely rare form of cancer" which starts in the uterus and can spread to other parts of the body, most notably "the lungs and liver often causing life-threatening complications."
Anderson\'s longtime publicist confirmed to Fox News Digital the actress died on Aug. 3 at the age of 79. Anderson died at a Los Angeles hospital following a "prolonged" illness, her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Anderson died at the age of 79 from metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma. (Manny Hernandez / Getty Images)
"We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother," Anderson’s family said in a statement.
Having grown up in St. Paul, Minnesota, Anderson always dreamed of being an actress, and moved to Hollywood in 1975 to start her career. She spent the next few years appearing in various television shows, including "The Love Boat," "Three\'s Company" and "The Incredible Hulk," before cementing her status as a leading lady as Jennifer Marlowe in "WKRP in Cincinnati" in 1978.
"I remember we all did posters back then. Everybody always asks me, ‘What made you do a poster?’ I would say, \'Because someday my grandchildren will look at this. And I’ll be able to tell them that I really looked like that. What you saw is what you got," she told Fox News Digital in 2021.
"But you know, I had this discussion with Ann-Margret. Will there ever be a time when our names won’t be followed by ‘bombshell’ or ‘sex symbol?’ It becomes a part of your name," she continued. "And you know, I’d never thought I would reach that point. I was so serious. I was doing ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ for 53 weeks on tour. I never thought I would be Loni Anderson, sex symbol. But I embrace it. I think I was lucky enough to have been able to play so many different things and sex symbol was a part of it. I took whatever my career threw at me. So I embrace it. And my granddaughters think it’s a hoot!"
Loni Anderson starred as Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)
Following her death, "I Dream of Jeannie" star and longtime friend of Anderson\'s, Barbara Eden, told Fox News Digital she feels "very lonely now that she’s not here," explaining "she was just a very special, kind, sweet, good mother" and that "you can\'t say anything bad about her."
The two met in 1981 while filming a special for comedian Bob Hope. Eden recalled running into Anderson backstage after putting on her costume, which she referred to as "ugly."
"I walked out of the hallway, and there was Loni. She looked at me and said, ‘You can’t wear those!’" the 93-year-old laughed. "’You’ve got to tell them, go tell them. You’re going to change them.’ I didn’t even know her then. But we had such a good laugh later about it. And I did go and say, ‘I’ll have the skin-colored hosiery, not white!’ I think she was just really what my mother would call ‘a good egg.’"
Eden went on to say that Anderson "is still remembered for being a beautiful, kind, just wonderful human being."
Eden and Anderson first met in 1981 while filming a special for Bob Hope. (Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
"I’m so happy that I got to know her and that we were friends. She was just everything fun. You wouldn’t think a glamour girl like Loni would be fun. But she was fun and funny. And she was also a really good mother. Her daughter is a school principal, and her son was just adorable. I’ve met him many times. She just did a good job with everything."
Anderson adopted her son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds, in 1988, with her then-husband, actor Burt Reynolds.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Warns of Broader Network in Charlie Kirk Assassination
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has confirmed that the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is being treated as an ideologically motivated attack, with investigators probing whether the alleged assassin acted alone or as part of a broader network.
Speaking on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom,” Bongino stated, “If this was a larger effort, if there was any aiding and abetting… we’re looking into that.”
He emphasized that the FBI is committed to leaving “no stone unturned” in its investigation, underscoring the seriousness with which the agency is approaching the case.
Bongino revealed that the suspect had been “taken over” by leftist ideology leading up to the shooting, indicating a potential radicalization process.
The Deputy Director noted that the suspect had become increasingly withdrawn and politically active before the attack, raising concerns about the influence of extremist ideologies.
Investigators are examining the suspect’s online activity and affiliations with left-wing groups to determine if there were any coordinated efforts behind the assassination.
Bongino confirmed that the FBI is reviewing video footage showing the gunman leaping from a rooftop after the fatal shot, which has been critical in advancing the investigation.
He highlighted that the forensic evidence gathered from the scene has provided significant leads, aiding in the identification and apprehension of the suspect.
The Deputy Director stated that the FBI is also looking into any financial transactions or communications that may indicate support or planning from external sources.
Bongino condemned the act as an attack on free speech and political discourse, emphasizing the importance of protecting conservative voices in the public sphere.
He called for unity among Americans in denouncing political violence, regardless of ideological affiliation, to preserve the integrity of democratic institutions.
The Deputy Director acknowledged the emotional impact of the assassination on the conservative community but urged restraint and due process in the ongoing investigation.
Bongino reiterated the FBI’s commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring the public that all leads are being thoroughly investigated.
He expressed confidence that the agency would uncover the full scope of the plot and bring those responsible to justice.
The Deputy Director noted that the investigation is ongoing and that further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Bongino emphasized the need for vigilance and awareness among the public to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He urged individuals to report any suspicious activity or information that could aid in the investigation.
The Deputy Director highlighted the role of community cooperation in combating extremism and ensuring public safety.
Bongino acknowledged the challenges posed by online radicalization but reaffirmed the FBI’s dedication to addressing these threats.
He called for a balanced approach that respects civil liberties while effectively countering extremist ideologies.
The Deputy Director commended the efforts of law enforcement agencies at all levels in responding to the assassination and supporting the investigation.
Bongino expressed gratitude for the assistance of federal, state, and local partners in gathering intelligence and resources.
He noted that the collaboration between agencies has been instrumental in advancing the investigation and ensuring a comprehensive response.
