Los Angeles: Three weeks after her passing, the cause of death for veteran actress Loni Anderson has been confirmed. The Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated star, best known for her role as the empowered receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, died from metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. She was 79, just days shy of her 80th birthday.
According to a death certificate obtained by a foreign publication, Anderson passed away due to the rare cancer, which, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, begins in the uterus and can spread to other parts of the body, often the lungs and liver. The document listed no other contributing factors.
Anderson's long-time publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, had confirmed the actress's death on August 5, stating that it followed a "prolonged illness." Her family released a heartfelt statement at the time, saying, "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother."
Beyond her iconic role in WKRP in Cincinnati, Anderson was a prominent figure and a style icon of the 1980s. Her career included other notable television roles, such as her work alongside Lynda Carter in the series Partners in Crime.
A significant part of her public life was her high-profile marriage to actor Burt Reynolds. Their relationship made them one of the most famous Hollywood couples of their era, and they remained a subject of public fascination throughout their time together and after their separation.
Anderson, who was married four times, was cremated and buried in Hollywood on August 7. She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Bob Flick, her daughter, her son, and several grandchildren and step-grandchildren. Her legacy lives on through her iconic performances and the enduring love of her family and fans.
