Loni: I tried to save my marriage to Burt, I really gave it my all. But you know what I was competing with? A handful of pills and a bottle of booze. I can't win, and I certainly don't take last place, so I hung it all out to dry.
Loni speaks to groups about the dangers of smoking cigarettes, educating them on the number of diseases that are associated with smoking tobacco. Her father had emphysema, and both parents suffered from bouts of reoccuring bronchitis, all associated with their habit. She saw a need to be a spokesperson, when no one else was stepping up.
Loni has a degree in Education from the University of Minnesota, but she had wanted to be an actress her whole life. Her mother and grandmother thought it was a poor decision, so she earned her degree. Her grandmother was a teacher, her sister was a teacher, her daughter was a teacher in northern California, and her son-in-law is a high school principal, she is surrounded by educators.
In 1997, Loni appeared with fellow Minnesota native Louie Anderson, in an ad for the Mall Of America which played on their shared last name.
Loni is a lifelong friend of soap opera diva Deidre Hall, who like herself, has adopted.
Loni's autobiography is called My Life In High Heels.
Loni underwent a breast reduction surgery that brought her from a 37D-20-32 to what she feels is more in proportion as 36-24-36. Her measurements before her second breast reduction were: 38E-25-36, and after the surgery: 38C-25-36.
Loni auditioned for a role on the television sitcom Three's Company in 1977.
Loni married Ross Bickell in 1973 and divorced him in 1981. She then married Burt Reynolds in April of 1988, and they adopted a son, Quinton. The couple divorced in a very bitter, public battle in March of 1995.
Loni was born in St. Paul, Minnesota to Maxine Kallin and Carl Anderson. Her father originally wanted to named her Leiloni, but shortened to just Loni to avoid teasing in her high school years (Lay Loni).
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