One of the stars of millions of people’s favorite show from the 1970s has passed away after a brief illness. Cindy Williams, who portrayed lead character Shirley Feeney in the super popular sitcom Laverne & Shirley, died, according to a statement from her beloved family. Williams, who was extremely talented as an actress and beloved by millions of fans, stared in the show alongside Penny Marshall for all eight seasons of the hit sitcom.
Because her family members knew that millions of people would want to know the truth about her passing, Williams’s children Zak and Emily Hudson, released a statement through their family spokesperson Liza Cranis. The statement speaks to the influence that Williams had in the world of television and how much of an impact she made on people across the United States and parts of the wider world.
“The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” read the statement from Williams’s family members. “Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous, and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.”
After the news of Williams’s passing broke, other celebrities and fellow actors shared their touching tributes to the TV star from the 1970s.
One of the people to come forward with a statement following Williams’s death was Laverne and Shirley co-star, Michael McKean. He shared a touching story about their early years working together on the hit sitcom.
“Backstage, Season 1: I’m offstage waiting for a cue. The script’s been a tough one, so we’re giving it one hundred and ten percent, and the audience is having a great time. Cindy scoots by me to make her entrance and, with a glorious grin, says: ‘Show’s cookin’!’” McKean wrote. “Amen. Thank you, Cindy.”
Another person who shared a tribute to Cindy Williams was the famous actor and director Ron Howard. He wrote: “Cindy Williams – Her unpretentious intelligence, talent, wit & humanity impacted every character she created & person she worked with. We were paired as actors on six different projects. #AmericanGraffiti a couple of dramas & then #HappyDays & #laverneandshirley Lucky me. RIP, Cindy.”
Another Happy Days star, Henry Winkler, who played Fonzie, released a statement about Williams as well.
“Cindy has been my friend and professional colleague since I met her on the set of Happy Days in 1975. Not once have I ever been in her presence when she wasn’t gracious, thoughtful, and kind. Cindy’s talent was limitless. There was not a genre she could not conquer. I am so glad I knew her.”
Actor Jon Donahue wrote: “Sad to learn that #CindyWilliams has died. I grew up watching her, alongside the late, great Penny Marshall, on their classic sitcom ‘Laverne & Shirley’… & will always love her work in “The Conversation” and “American Graffiti.” May She Rest In Peace.”
Cindy Williams left her mark on American television and will be remembered with love.