Hollywood bids farewell to two beloved stars, Kelley Mack and Loni Anderson, whose timeless talent left a lasting mark on television. This tribute honors their lives, careers, and the legacy they leave behind.
Loni Anderson
Beloved WKRP in Cincinnati star Loni Anderson has passed away at the age of 79 after a long battle with illness. Her career, personal life, and lasting influence on television are worth remembering.
A Final Curtain Call at 79
Loni Anderson died on August 3, 2025, in a Los Angeles hospital after fighting a long illness, just two days before her 80th birthday on August 5.
Her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, shared the family’s sorrow in a heartfelt statement:
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother.”
From Saint Paul to Sitcom Fame
Loni Anderson was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on August 5, 1945, in a warm, working-class family.
She graduated from Alexander Ramsey Senior High School and then pursued acting, a path that took time to find success.
Her big break came with the CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982), where she played Jennifer Marlowe, a clever receptionist who challenged the “dumb blonde” stereotype.
Anderson’s performance earned her three Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nominations.
More Than a Sitcom Icon
While WKRP made her famous, Anderson’s career stretched over four decades, with roles in TV movies, series, and films:
TV Guest Appearances: including S.W.A.T., Police Woman, Phyllis, Fantasy Island, and Melrose Place
Film Roles: notably Stroker Ace (1983) alongside Burt Reynolds
TV Movies & Later Work: such as The Jayne Mansfield Story, White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd, and her final appearance in the 2023 Lifetime movie Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas
Her autobiography, My Life in High Heels (1995), shared her difficult marriage to Burt Reynolds, their eventual divorce, and her growth as a woman and artist.
Personal Life & Legacy
Throughout her life, Anderson married four times, most notably to actor Burt Reynolds from 1988 to 1994.
They adopted a son, Quinton.
Kelley Mack
Kelley Mack, who was best known for playing Addy on The Walking Dead, has passed away at the age of 33 after fighting a rare type of brain tumor called diffuse midline glioma. This tribute covers her life, work, and what she will be remembered for.
A Heartbreaking Loss at Just 33
Kelley Mack, an actress and producer who gained recognition for her role as Addy in The Walking Dead Season 9, has died at 33.
She was born on July 10, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and passed away on August 2, 2025, surrounded by family and friends after a brave fight with a serious and aggressive tumor in her central nervous system.
From Cincinnati to Hollywood Dreams
Kelley started exploring storytelling at a young age after getting a small video camera, which sparked her lifelong love for acting and making films.
She graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 2010 and later received a bachelor’s degree in cinematography from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film in 2014.
Career Highlights: Acting, Producing & Voice Work
During her 11 years in Los Angeles, Kelley appeared in 35 acting roles and worked as a producer on 5 projects.
Her major roles include:
- Addy on The Walking Dead (Season 9)
- Penelope Jacobs in Chicago Med (Season 8)
- She also acted in several films, including Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021) and Delicate Arch (2024).
- Her last role was in the sci-fi dramedy Universal (2025), where she also served as an executive producer. The film premiered at Dances With Films in June 2025.
In addition to acting, Kelley provided voice work for Hailee Steinfeld’s character Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse promotions and voiced commercials for brands like Dr. Pepper, Chick-fil-A, and Dairy Queen.
The Battle with Glioma
In late 2024, Kelley was diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma.
At first, she thought her symptoms, like lower back pain and itching, were just a slipped disc. A spinal MRI showed a tumor, which led to serious spinal issues and loss of leg movement.
Kelley shared her treatment journey on social media, showing great strength even while facing tough physical challenges.
Her family shared that she passed away peacefully, with loved ones by her side. They also mentioned that seeing butterflies in the days after her death was a sign of her lasting spirit.
Tributes Pour In
People who knew her, fans, and coworkers shared their memories and feelings.
Some of the messages included:
“Kelley was a bright light on every level.”
“Your vibrant spirit will always shine on.”
TV Insider
Her obituary highlighted her love for storytelling, her creativity, and the meaningful relationships she built with her friends and fans.
Mack is survived by her parents, siblings—including actor Parker Mack—her grandparents, and her partner Logan Lanier, who was with her during her last days.
Legacy and Meaning
Kelley’s colleagues remember her not just for her acting roles but also for her creative ideas, humility, and hard work.
In talks about the movie Universal, she said she hoped the film would make people think about life’s bigger questions—something that reflected her own way of looking at life and storytelling.
Regards, SmartAffairs
