The story of Bruce Hasselberg and Loni Anderson is often overlooked in Hollywood history, yet it represents an important chapter in the early life of the future television icon. Long before Anderson became a household name through WKRP in Cincinnati, she was a young woman starting adult life and Bruce Hasselberg was her first husband.
Their relationship was brief but significant, shaping both their personal lives and family story.
The 1964 Marriage
Bruce Hasselberg and Loni Anderson married on July 10, 1964, in South Dakota. At the time, Anderson was not yet famous. She was a young college student with acting ambitions, while Hasselberg lived a more traditional private life outside the entertainment industry.
The marriage is often described as a young, whirlwind union. Like many early marriages, the couple entered married life quickly without fully understanding the pressures and expectations that would follow.
Soon after their wedding, they welcomed their daughter.
Their Daughter: Deidra Hoffman
One of the most important outcomes of the marriage was the birth of their daughter:
Deidra Kaye Hasselberg (later Deidra Hoffman).
She later became a school administrator and educator rather than entering show business like her mother. Despite her parents’ separation, Anderson remained very close to her daughter and often credited motherhood as her strongest motivation.
Why the Marriage Ended
The marriage lasted only about two years, ending in 1966.
Reports describe the divorce not as scandalous but as the result of common problems faced by very young couples:
- Different career ambitions
- Emotional immaturity
- Changing life goals
- Early financial pressures
Loni Anderson wanted to pursue acting and eventually moved toward a career in television and film. Hasselberg preferred a more conventional lifestyle away from Hollywood. Their visions for the future simply did not align.
Rather than a dramatic breakup, the separation was largely considered a realistic acknowledgment that their lives were moving in different directions.
Life After the Divorce
After the divorce, Anderson focused heavily on building an acting career. Her persistence eventually paid off in the late 1970s when she landed her iconic role as Jennifer Marlowe in WKRP in Cincinnati. The show turned her into one of the biggest television stars of the era.
Bruce Hasselberg, meanwhile, stayed mostly out of the public spotlight. According to accounts, he maintained a respectful attitude toward Anderson and her growing fame.
Child Support Situation
Initially, Hasselberg had parental financial responsibilities for their daughter. However, once Anderson achieved major success and financial independence through television, he was no longer required to provide child support.
Bruce Hasselberg’s Later Marriages
Bruce Hasselberg married more than once after his divorce from Anderson.
Second Marriage
- Ended in divorce
- He had a son named James Hasselberg
Third Marriage
He later married actress Barbara Howard, known for roles in The White Shadow and Falcon Crest.
Barbara Howard passed away in 2023.
Loni Anderson’s Rise to Fame
After her first divorce, Loni Anderson’s career steadily improved. By the late 1970s and 1980s she had become one of television’s most recognizable faces.
Her glamorous image, platinum blonde hair, and confident screen presence helped define television comedy of that era. She later married several times, most famously to actor Burt Reynolds.
The contrast between her later fame and her quiet first marriage with Hasselberg often makes the relationship a point of curiosity for fans.
Attributes
Bruce Hasselberg
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bruce Hasselberg |
| Known For | First husband of Loni Anderson |
| Marriage to Anderson | 1964–1966 |
| Children | Deidra Hoffman, James Hasselberg |
| Third Wife | Actress Barbara Howard |
| Public Life | Private individual |
Loni Anderson
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Loni Kaye Anderson |
| Profession | Actress |
| Famous Role | Jennifer Marlowe (WKRP in Cincinnati) |
| First Husband | Bruce Hasselberg |
| Child with Hasselberg | Deidra Hoffman |
| Later Fame | Major television star in the 1970s–80s |
FAQs
How long were Bruce Hasselberg and Loni Anderson married?
They were married for about two years, from 1964 to 1966.
Did they have children together?
Yes, they had one daughter, Deidra Hoffman.
Why did they divorce?
The divorce resulted mainly from differing ambitions and life goals, especially Anderson’s pursuit of an acting career.
Did Bruce Hasselberg remarry?
Yes, he married twice after the divorce and had a son from a later marriage.
Was the divorce controversial?
No. It was considered a relatively quiet and amicable separation.
Conclusion
The marriage between Bruce Hasselberg and Loni Anderson happened long before Hollywood fame entered the picture. Their relationship reflects a very human story — two young people who cared for each other but ultimately wanted different futures.
While Anderson went on to become a television legend, Hasselberg chose a private life. Despite the divorce, they remained connected through their daughter, and their story stands as an early chapter in the life of one of television’s most recognizable stars.
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