Loni Anderson, the celebrated actress known for her role in “WKRP in Cincinnati,” passed away on Sunday at the age of 79 in Los Angeles after a prolonged illness. Anderson’s legacy is particularly cherished in Minnesota, where she honed her craft and captivated audiences with her charm and dedication.
Born on August 5, 1945, in St. Paul, Anderson grew up in Roseville and developed a passion for the performing arts early on. She studied theater at the University of Minnesota, starting in 1963, before gaining recognition at local venues, including the now-closed Old Log Theatre and Centennial Showboat.
Gary Gisselman, who directed Anderson in a groundbreaking production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in 1971, recalled her unwavering commitment. “There were eight shows a week, and she was the only one in the cast who never missed a performance,” Gisselman noted. “She was dedicated to the process and really smart.” This dedication was evident as Anderson seamlessly blended her star power with a strong work ethic.
Star Power and Enduring Friendships
Colleagues remember Anderson not only for her talent but also for her kindness. John Command, a fellow actor who became a lifelong friend, shared, “Like Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe, she had that star power that made people stop and look.” Command first met Anderson in 1963 when they were both drama students and later worked together in “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“She had a magnetic presence,” Command said. “I remember walking with her in Southdale, and people were just awestruck.” Her charisma extended beyond the stage, impacting everyone around her.
Tim Stolz, son of the late Old Log Theatre owner, remembered his teenage years spent backstage while Anderson performed. “She had all this star power, but she was so kind,” Stolz remarked. This warmth made her approachable, even as she became a household name.
Anderson’s dedication to her craft was remarkable. Gisselman recounted how she would attend rehearsals for scenes she was not part of to improve her skills. “Whatever scene she was in, she didn’t make herself stand out. She was good at playing the part and sharing the stage with others,” he said.
A Life Beyond the Spotlight
Anderson’s personal life also attracted media attention, particularly her four marriages, including a high-profile relationship with actor Burt Reynolds. Her life experiences, including struggles with asthma, shaped her character. Friends recall her caution regarding health, with Command noting, “Loni was so careful — she never smoked a cigarette in her life.”
Despite the pressures of fame, Anderson remained down-to-earth. Linda Gallaro Anderson, a former stage manager at Chanhassen, shared a unique perspective. She married Anderson’s former boyfriend and “Fiddler” scene partner, Richard Hansen. “I was never jealous of Loni,” Gallaro Anderson said. “Her charm was genuine.”
Expressing her own experiences, Gallaro Anderson recalled a bridal shower where Anderson’s beauty and poise shone through. “Charming as ever, she said, ‘Oh, gosh, I’m not looking forward to getting up at 6 tomorrow,’” she remembered. “She said she wouldn’t step foot out the door without doing her hair, eyelashes, everything. And of course, she was always beautiful.”
As friends and colleagues in Minnesota mourn Anderson’s passing, they celebrate her remarkable talent, dedication, and the warmth she brought to both stage and life. Her legacy as a beloved actress and friend endures, leaving a lasting impression on those who had the privilege to know her.
