‘Laverne & Shirley’ Star Cindy Williams Dies at 75 | She Had a “Glittering Spirit That Everyone Loved”

Actor Cindy Williams, best known for her role in the TV sitcom Laverne & Shirley, died on January 25, in Los Angeles, as per New York Times. She was 75. She died peacefully at her home after a short illness, her children said in a statement released by family spokesperson Liza Cranis, per NBC News.

They said in the statement, "The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed." The statement added, "Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege." It continued, "She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous, and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved."

Williams, who played Shirley Feeney was paired with Penny Marshall, who played Laverne DeFazio, in the popular Laverne & Shirley series, which ran from 1976 to 1983. The sitcom, a spinoff of Happy Days starred Williams and Marshall as roommates. These two young single women worked at a Milwaukee brewery in the 1950s. Williams' character was a demure complement to Marshall’s self-assertive DeFazio. Marshall died in 2018 at 75. 

Williams was also seen in the 1973 film American Graffiti. For her portrayal of Laurie in the film, she earned a nomination for best supporting actress at the British Academy Film Awards. She was also seen in the 1974 film The Conversation. Both these movies garnered best picture nominations at the Academy Awards.

Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days were created by Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall's brother who died in 2016. The show was a huge success in its prime.

Henry Winkler, who starred as The Fonz in Happy Days was among those who mourned Williams. Winkler said, “Cindy has been my friend and professional colleague since I met her on the set of Happy Days in 1975."

He added, "Not once have I ever been in her presence when she wasn’t gracious, thoughtful, and kind." He continued, "Cindy’s talent was limitless. There was not a genre she could not conquer. I am so glad I knew her."

Williams was born in Van Nuys in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley. She had two children, Emily and Zachary Hudson. They said that their mother wanted to spread laughter in the world and also was devoted to rescuing animals and her faith. 

"May that laughter continue in everyone because she would want that," they said in the statement. "Thank you for loving our Mom, she loved you too."

References:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/laverne-shirley-actor-cindy-williams-dies-75-rcna68301

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/30/arts/television/cindy-williams-dead.html

Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Gary Gershof