When you think of Loni Anderson, the first thing that comes to mind might be her iconic role in the classic sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. But did you know that Loni's life took a dramatic turn after the show ended? Today, she’s no longer just a beloved TV star—she’s become an unwavering support system and fierce advocate for her eldest child, Deidra Hoffman, who lives with multiple sclerosis. It’s a role that Loni has embraced with grace and determination.
Deidra's Diagnosis and the Family's Journey
In 2009, Loni's world was turned upside down when her daughter Deidra, from her first marriage to Bruce Hasselberg, received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The news was a shockwave that rippled through the entire family. Loni, known for her strong and vibrant personality, admitted to Closer Weekly that she initially struggled to process the news. “I fell apart,” she confessed. “I didn’t want to fall apart in front of her because I knew she was already struggling to maintain herself, but it was incredibly difficult to come to terms with.”
Stepping Up in Times of Need
When Deidra couldn’t eat or sleep due to the challenges posed by her condition, Loni stepped in without hesitation. She has been by her daughter’s side through every MRI, every test, and every moment of uncertainty. “I just wanted Deidra to know that I love her,” Loni explained with heartfelt sincerity. Despite the hardships, Loni has managed to remain optimistic. At 71 years old, she shared her perspective with us, saying, “You have to move forward and make the most of every situation. This is a message of hope. Although we don’t have a cure yet, we’re learning more every day.”
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For Deidra, having her mother’s unwavering support has made all the difference. “It’s just easier,” she said, expressing her gratitude for Loni’s constant presence. The bond between mother and daughter has grown even stronger, as Loni noted, “We’re such a close family, we all needed one another to reach this point.”
A Career Beyond WKRP
After her unforgettable role in WKRP in Cincinnati, which earned her three Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nods, Loni continued to shine in the entertainment world. She starred in the TV shows Partners in Crime and Nurses, and made guest appearances on popular series like Melrose Place and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. More recently, she appeared in the Freeform comedy Baby Daddy and the Amazon pilot Love You More. Her career has been a testament to her versatility and talent.
Blonde and Bold: Loni's Signature Look
And let’s not forget her signature blonde hair. When she first went blonde, Loni was determined to challenge stereotypes. “There were no smart, assertive blondes in comedies on TV back then,” she told NewNowNext last year. “I wanted to show that glamorous women could be intelligent, strong, and assertive too.” What started as a temporary change became a permanent part of her identity. “Now, people can’t imagine me any other way,” she laughed.
