Death certificate reveals actress Loni Anderson's cause of death

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Stars From "It's A Wonderful Lifetime" Honor Blue Star Families Military Spouses, Who Will Receive The Gift Of A Lifetime - Source: Getty

Veteran American actress Loni Anderson passed away on August 3, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. The actress is best known for playing the role of Jenifer Marlowe in the 1978 to 1982 sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. According to a statement shared by Loni’s long-time publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, the actress died in Los Angeles after a prolonged illness.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” the late actress's family said in a statement.

Nearly three weeks after Loni Anderson’s passing, the cause of the actress’s death has been revealed. According to a death certificate obtained by the tabloid TMZ, the late actress died of metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma.

Metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma, also referred to as uLMS, is a very rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the smooth muscle of the uterus and other parts of the body.


Who is Loni Anderson?

Loni Anderson was a popular American actress born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. and began acting in 1996 in the film Nevada Smith.

2021 Asian World Film Festival: Closing Night Gala - Source: Getty
2021 Asian World Film Festival: Closing Night Gala - Source: Getty

Loni Anderson’s acting career skyrocketed with the iconic role of the blonde receptionist Jennifer. In a 2020 interview with Studio 10, Loni revealed:

“I liked the show but didn't like the role, so I refused. I went in and sat on my little soapbox and said, ‘I don’t want to play this part because she’s just here to deliver messages and is window dressing.’ Then Hugh Wilson said to me, ‘Well, how would you do it?’ … He said, ‘Let’s make her look like Lana Turner and be the smartest person in the room.'”

Other works of the actress include Vigilante Force, Stroker Ace, The Lonely Guy, The Magnificent Magical Magnet of Santa Mesa, The Fantastic Funnies, My Mother's Secret Life, A Letter to Three Wives, White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd, Blondie & Dagwood: Second Wedding Workout, Too Good to be True, and The Price She Paid.

Loni Anderson was nominated thrice for the Golden Globe Awards and twice for Emmy Awards.

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Loni died at 79, a few days before her 80th birthday.

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Edited by Sarah Nazamuddin Harniswala