Cindy Williams, the talented performer renowned for her portrayal of bubbly Shirley Feeney on the much-loved sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” has passed away at the age of 75, as confirmed in a statement from her family to CNN through a representative. According to the statement from her children Zak and Emily Hudson, released to CNN by Williams’ aide Liz Cranis, her death was caused by a brief illness.
The statement from the children reads: “The departure of our caring, amusing mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us inestimable sorrow that cannot be utterly expressed. Having the chance to know and love her was our pleasure and honor. She was one-of-a-kind, beautiful, kindhearted, and gifted with a remarkable sense of humor and an illumining spirit that everyone adored.”
Williams had numerous accomplishments throughout her six-decade career, yet it was her character on “Happy Days” spin-off “Laverne & Shirley” that earned her recognition and made her a renowned face.
The late Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams starred together in the early 1970s, portraying a dynamic duo in the popular TV show, which ran for eight seasons from 1976-1983. Williams was born in Van Nuys, California and developed an interest in acting during her high school years, leading her to pursue studies in theatre at Los Angeles City College. She started out appearing in episodes of the series “Room 222” and “Nanny and the Professor”, as well as in “Love, American Style”. After landing the role of Shirley Feeney in “Happy Days”, her career blossomed and she went on to become a successful television and film actor, appearing in numerous titles.
The well-liked “Laverne & Shirley” became a ratings sensation and was honored with six Golden Globe nominations, including two for best comedy series and one for Williams in the best actress in a comedy category. Additionally, Williams was featured in some remarkable flicks. Notably, she was the lead in George Lucas’ 1973 “American Graffiti,” which earned her a BAFTA nomination for best supporting actress. The movie, about a group of friends spending a wild night before going off to college, was nominated for five Academy Awards, including best picture, at the 1974 Oscars. Williams had parts in other highly praised films like ‘Travels with My Aunt’ by George Cukor in 1972 and ‘The Conversation’ from director Francis Ford Coppola in 1974.
