Loni Anderson, the beloved star of “WKRP in Cincinnati,” passed away on Sunday at the age of 79 in Los Angeles following a prolonged illness. Her friends and colleagues in Minnesota are remembering her as a dedicated performer and a kind-hearted individual who made a lasting impact in the theatre community.
During her yearlong run as the eldest daughter in the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” Anderson demonstrated remarkable commitment by never missing a performance. According to Gary Gisselman, who directed the groundbreaking 1971 production, “There were eight shows a week and she was the only one in the cast” to achieve that distinction. He described her as “very dedicated to the process and really smart.”
Born in St. Paul on August 5, 1945, and raised in Roseville, Anderson studied theater at the University of Minnesota starting in 1963. Her early career included ingenue roles at the now-closed Old Log Theatre, the Centennial Showboat, and Chanhassen. Actor John Command, who met Anderson in 1963 as a fellow drama student, noted her exceptional charisma, stating, “Like Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe, she had that star power that made people stop and look.” He fondly recalled walking with her in Southdale, where “people were just awestruck.”
As her colleagues reflect on their memories of Anderson, they highlight her work ethic and engaging onstage presence. Gisselman remembered how, after the first rehearsal for “Fiddler,” he asked the actors to dress as their characters. Anderson returned looking glamorous, dressed in a skirt, boots, and scarf. “She wasn’t showing off but being who she was,” he said. Her humility shone through as she focused on teamwork and improving her craft. “She worked to be competent and would watch rehearsals of scenes she was not in, in order to improve her craft,” Gisselman added.
Tim Stolz, son of the late Old Log Theatre owner Don Stolz, shared his admiration for Anderson’s kindness despite her star power. Working backstage as a teenager, he recalled feeling bashful around her. “The thing that was most striking about her was that she had all this star power, but she was so kind,” Stolz said.
Growing up on Lake Owasso, Anderson was the daughter of environmental chemist Klaydon Anderson and former model Maxine Kallin. Both she and her sister, Andrea, dealt with asthma, which made Anderson cautious about her health. Command remarked, “Loni was so careful — she never smoked a cigarette in her life.”
Anderson’s personal life garnered attention due to her charisma and relationships, which often made headlines. She was married four times, including to actor Burt Reynolds. Linda Gallaro Anderson, a former stage manager at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and a friend of Anderson, noted a unique connection between them. She eventually married Anderson’s ex-boyfriend and “Fiddler” scene partner Richard Hansen.
Gallaro Anderson recounted how she learned what it took to be Loni Anderson after observing her at a bridal shower. “Charming as ever, she said, ‘Oh, gosh, I’m not looking forward to getting up at 6 tomorrow,’” she remembered. Anderson had a dental appointment that day and insisted on preparing meticulously, stating she wouldn’t step out the door without doing her hair and makeup. “And of course, she was always beautiful,” Gallaro Anderson reflected.
As news of her passing spreads, the Minnesota theatre community mourns the loss of a talented actress and a genuine friend. Anderson’s legacy will endure through the memories of those who knew her and the many performances that showcased her remarkable talent.