Loni Anderson Fondly Reminisces about Burt Reynolds' Unforgettable Fred Astaire Surprise
Loni Anderson, star of 'Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas,' reveals 25 intriguing facts about herself exclusively to Us Get ready to discover the hidden depths of this iconic actress
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Throughout her decades in the spotlight, Loni Anderson has had quite a few wild celebrity encounters.
During my marriage to Burt Reynolds, I had the pleasure of meeting Fred Astaire and instantly fell in love with him," Anderson shared exclusively with We in their 25 Things You Don't Know About Me feature. Married to Reynolds from 1988 to 1994 and now to Bob Flick since 2008, the actress recalled a special surprise when Burt invited Fred to dinner and he delighted everyone with a tap number as he descended the stairs.
Astaire wasn't the one who left her starstruck. "Cary Grant, the most famous person in my phone book, was the one who left me feeling like a blithering idiot when I met him," she confesses. "I eventually became friends with him, but I never stopped having a crush on him."
The star-studded cast of Anderson's latest film, "Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas," would make anyone feel like a fangirl. The movie tells the story of five former soap opera stars who come together to film the final Christmas episode of their long-running soap opera. Anderson plays one of the former drama queens alongside Morgan Fairchild, Linda Gray, Donna Mills, and Nicollette Sheridan.
Tune in to Lifetime on Saturday, December 2 at 8 p.m. ET to catch Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas. Here are 25 lesser-known facts about Anderson:
1. I have a secret talent for playing the piano, although I don't consider myself skilled enough to perform on a show. I also have a knack for doing impersonations.
2. My initial vehicle was a turquoise Chevy Impala convertible featuring white leather interior and moon hubcaps. I discussed it so often that my ex-husband, Burt Reynolds, had a beautiful painting of my car done, which I still have displayed.
3. The most well-known individual in my contacts was Cary Grant. When I first met him, I was completely starstruck. We eventually became friends, but I never quite got over my admiration for him.
4. As a kid, I had a small crush on Elvis Presley. Despite wanting to be different from everyone else, I found myself drawn to his popularity like everyone else.
5. I adore a sleek black tank top that is both stretchy and form-fitting, making it a versatile addition to any outfit.
6. I learned to cook from my grandma, so fattening German food is my favorite thing to make.
7. I’m a mystery fanatic. I could sit down anytime and find something new in rereading The Big Sleep.
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8. I must see The Uninvited at least once a year.
9. My favorite TV shows are Dateline and Forensic Files.
10. My best subject in school was science.
11. As a meditator, I find solace in closing myself off from the world and focusing on meditation, sometimes accompanied by a good book. It allows me to escape my own reality and immerse myself in someone else's.
12. The beauty product that I cannot live without is moisturizer, moisturizer, moisturizer.
13. I excel at fishing.
14. During WWII, my parents were sweethearts and would often serenade each other with Louis Armstrong's "It's Been a Long, Long Time" in the bedroom next to mine. Their harmonious voices always brought me joy.
15. I’m most often mistaken for Dolly Parton, but in the era of all of us in the’80s, [I was mistaken for] Farrah Fawcett.
16. I really don’t drink, but I love champagne.
17. Every Christmas, I always prepare my signature Swedish meatballs without fail.
18. During my marriage to Burt, I had never met Fred Astaire but admired him greatly. To my surprise, Burt arranged for Fred to join us for dinner. As he descended the stairs, Fred delighted us with an impromptu tap dance performance.
19. My essential items before leaving the house are powder, lipstick, and my glasses.
20. The highlight of my career was a memorable scene I shared with Frank Bonner from WKRP in Cincinnati, which will forever hold a special place in my heart.
21. Herb Alpert was the first concert I ever went to.
22. Growing up, I wanted to be Doris Day in the worst way. I was gushing when I met her.
After the first airing of WKRP in Cincinnati, I knew I had finally "made it." While window shopping with my daughter in Beverly Hills, I was approached by both fans and paparazzi, solidifying my newfound status.
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24. Italy is my favorite place to vacation, and I love Venice because of the water.
25. My favorite room is my bedroom because I’m close to makeup, hair, wardrobe, intimacy and TV if I want it.
