Barbara Eden Remembers Roni Anderson

Barbara Eden is mourning the loss of her dear friend, Roni Anderson, who passed away on August 3 at a hospital in Los Angeles following a lengthy illness. She was 79 years old.

“I feel very lonely without her,” Eden, known for her role in “I Dream of Jeannie,” shared. “I miss her—everything about Roni. She was incredibly special: kind, sweet, and a fantastic mother. There’s really not much you can say that wouldn’t be good.”

Roni Anderson, Star of “WKRP in Cincinnati,” Dies

The two actresses first crossed paths in 1981 during a Bob Hope special, where they were among the featured stars alongside “Dynasty” actress Linda Evans. Eden reminisced, laughing as she recalled, “They dressed us up in costumes—of course, they gave me white socks for the nurse’s outfit. I wore them anyway.”

As Eden recalled her first encounter with Anderson, she chuckled, saying, “I came out and there was Roni. She looked at me and said, ‘You can’t wear those!’ I think she was what my mother would call a ‘good egg.’

Anderson played a significant role in Eden’s life. “She was a friend who would speak up when she saw something she didn’t like,” Eden reflected. “She was supportive and genuine.”

Roni Anderson, remembered for her role as Jennifer Marlowe in “WKRP in Cincinnati,” was also recognized for her talent and commitment to family, as noted by Eden’s spokesperson, who mentioned the deep bond they shared.

Eden described Anderson as a beautiful person with a vibrant personality. “I feel blessed that we were friends. Roni always brought joy to those around her, and she had wonderful children—her daughter is a principal; her son is a delight.”

Actress Morgan Fairchild, who also worked with Anderson, echoed similar thoughts. “Loni was lovely and kind—truly one of the best I’ve met in my career,” she stated. “I remember her character from our film; she looked stunning with gray hair, and we all thought she should embrace that look in real life.” Fairchild added that Anderson’s loss felt profoundly impactful.

Both Eden and Fairchild were among the first to publicly express their grief over Anderson’s death. Eden noted, “Like many, I am heartbroken. We shared a friendship for many years, and losing her is a tough pill to swallow. Roni was not just talented—she had incredible wit and a sparkling sense of humor. She really was a wonderful person.”

Looking back at her career, Anderson once mentioned that she was initially a brunette actress but transitioned to blonde because her darker hair was considered too heavy for the camera. “When I did ‘WKRP,’ I had to embrace that blonde image,” she explained. Despite never expecting to be labeled a sex symbol, she gracefully accepted that role.