Loni Willison, once a sought-after fitness model gracing the covers of numerous magazines, now finds herself living on the streets, often seen rummaging through dumpsters in California.
The 40-year-old, whose life took a drastic turn after her divorce from Baywatch star Jeremy Jackson, recently spoke candidly about her struggles. According to Loni, her downward spiral began after her tumultuous marriage ended in 2014.
In an interview with X17 Online in May 2023, Loni pointed to her ex-husband as a major factor in her collapse, accusing him of abuse. “My ex-husband. Getting married. At least I got divorced,” she remarked when asked about the cause of her homelessness. “He set everything up to do this to me.”
Loni and Jeremy married in 2012, but their relationship ended two years later, which left Loni grappling with mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety. Her struggles were compounded by addiction to alcohol and crystal meth, ultimately causing her to lose both her career and her home.
Despite receiving offers of help, Loni has turned them down, preferring to maintain her independence. She has been quoted saying, “I don’t need help. I have everything I need.”
Speaking to X17 Online, Loni revealed she is in constant pain, adding that she can’t live indoors due to a strange and intense physical reaction to electricity. “I was electrocuted every day for nearly a year, and now I can’t be near appliances or anything with electricity,” she explained. “I think because I pick up on electricity, I also pick up on chemicals, metals, and other materials. My body filters that stuff.”
She also mentioned the possibility of needing a detailed medical examination to understand the full extent of the issue. “It’s pretty intense,” she said.
In addition to her physical pain, Loni’s appearance has drastically changed. She has lost some of her upper front teeth and often wears worn, dirty clothes as she navigates life on the streets.
Loni’s ex-husband, Jeremy, has faced his own struggles. In 2017, he was sentenced to 270 days in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to a stabbing incident in Los Angeles. He has also battled addiction.
As for Loni, life remains a daily challenge. She struggles to make ends meet, relying on a shopping cart to carry the few belongings she still has, including food. The once-beautiful blonde model is now a far cry from her former self, barely recognizable amidst the hardship she endures.
Iconic ’80s Teen Star Fights Cancer on a Remote Farm—See Her at 58
This veteran actress didn’t plan on an acting career, but one unexpected role on a popular TV show changed her life. Now, in her late fifties, she’s overcome major challenges and is living happily today. Here’s a look at her inspiring journey and how she’s doing now.
Known for playing Natalie Green on *The Facts of Life* (1979–1988), she was discovered as a teenager. Years later, health issues forced her to leave Hollywood, but now, at 58, she’s thriving once again.
In a 2013 article, the actress shared about her younger years, saying, “Have I ever mentioned performing or wanting to act? No, sir.”
She explained, “If someone had asked what I wanted to be, I’d have probably said a doctor, since I wanted to help people and had a talent for it.”
Her acting journey happened by chance. In the summer of 1979, just before ninth grade, she and some classmates were pulled from class to meet TV producers creating a new sitcom set in a girls’ school.
The producers, including actress Charlotte Rae, were casting for The Facts of Life and thought she’d be perfect for a role. Rae found her “charming and funny,” suggesting a part be created for her.
Her role on The Facts of Life made her a household name. She continued acting after the show and voiced Velma in What’s New, Scooby-Doo? for over a decade.
But in 2012, her life took a turn. One morning, she felt unusually tired during a walk. She called her friend Helen Hunt for help. After a doctor’s visit, tests revealed troubling news: she had breast cancer.
For the next five years, she endured a “siege,” facing surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Known for her optimism, she admitted feeling worn down by the recurring cancer.
“I kept waiting for things to get better, but they didn’t,” she said. “I couldn’t control or fix any of it.”
Seeking peace, she left Hollywood for a quiet life in the country. She moved to a farm owned by friends Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, where she found a sense of family.
The farm kept her busy, from stacking shelves to feeding chickens and even caring for goats. Her friends often saw her helping around the property, finding comfort in the farm work.
In 2017, she was declared cancer-free and expressed gratitude for her parents and close friends who supported her through it all.
With her health restored, she returned to Hollywood, reconnecting with her fans and eager for new roles. She felt ready to work again, saying, “I think I’m a good actress, and I have a lot to give.”
At 58, she remains single and child-free, having dedicated herself to her career. Though she enjoys seeing her friends’ families, she cherishes the close relationships in her life.
She’s open to finding love, but with a strong network of loved ones, she feels fulfilled, knowing she can lean on others and support them in return.
Now in her late fifties, she has embraced aging naturally. Feeling more beautiful than in her youth, she avoids cosmetic fixes, humorously singing Let It Go from Frozen when tempted.
As she nears sixty, she is living life fully, surrounded by friends, pursuing her passions, and looking forward to what’s next. Her journey shows that love, humor, and resilience can guide us through even the hardest times, making every chapter meaningful.
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