04/08/2025
My phone hasn't stopped ringing, and I'm not about to make it through all the e.mails. I just cant fathom that we have lost our dear Loni. My heart and prayers go out to Bob, Linda and Quinton.
Someone asked how long I had known her, and it somehow seems as though she has always been there. In addition to just being a good and supportive friend, just some of the favors she has done for me over the years to help charities alone include hosting Veteran events (Her father was a pilot in WWII and she ore his wings), attended numerous events for The Shambala Preserve/R.O.A.R. Foundation (Founded by client and friend, Tippi Hedren). She appeared in an "It's Magic Show" with Jason Alexander that raised money for a Jr Magicians program at the Magic Castle, concerts for the Gay Men's Chorus, and multiple events for The Entertainment Community Fund (then know as The Actors Fund). She appeared as part of tributes to our mutual friends and clients, such as Bob Hope, Peter Marshall and Barbara Eden at the Hollywood Museum. She even took the center square for an all star "Hollywood Museum Squares" done online to raise money during the pandemic. Most memorably, she portrayed Marilyn Monroe for me, not once, but twice, in an all star fashion show (Singing and dancing to "Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend," while wearing the jewelry that Marilyn actually wore in the film "Gentlemen Prefer Blonds" on loan to me from Harry Winstons) and once again during a Marilyn Monroe exhibit at the Hollywood Museum wearing Ms Monroe‘s own USO dress, from the museum’s collection. This is what led to me lovingly calling her Marilyn from time to time. In fact, as she approached me at Bob Hope's funeral, I called her Marilyn and the security guard standing next to me correct me by saying, "No, that's Loni Anderson," to which Loni responded, "Not to him." One of the most meaningful moments, was when she attended a birthday party for me, thrown by and at the home of Phyllis Diller. I could go on with story after story after story, but none of them as interesting as the fabulous anecdotes and memories she would share with me, about all the amazing people she had known and worked with over her career. I will miss you so much, my darling Loni!!!