The world of entertainment is mourning the loss of a true legend today, as we say goodbye to the one and only Cindy Williams.
The actress, best known for her iconic role as Shirley Feeney on the beloved sitcom Laverne & Shirley, passed away at the age of 75 last Wednesday after a brief illness. Cindy was a true icon, with a career that spanned decades and touched countless lives. Her children, Zak and Emily Hudson, released a statement through their family spokeswoman Liza Cranis, expressing the sadness and heartbreak that they are feeling.
Cindy Williams of ‘Laverne & Shirley’ Passes Away at 75
“The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” they said. “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.”
Laverne & Shirley was one of the most popular sitcoms on ABC when it ran from 1976 to 1983. The show was born out of an episode of Happy Days, in which Williams and Penny Marshall made their debut as Shirley and Laverne. The two were such a hit with audiences that they were quickly given their own spin-off, which followed the lives of the two roommates as they struggled to make ends meet and find Mr. Right.
The pair quickly became one of the most beloved duos on television, with a bond that extended beyond the cameras. Penny Marshall was full of praise for Cindy, calling her the more talented of the two. “She is a better actress than me. Trust me,” she said. “She has a better range. She can [memorize] a paragraph. I can’t do an accent.” Sadly, Penny passed away in December 2018 at the age of 75, making Cindy’s loss all the more poignant.
Cindy’s acting prowess was not limited to Laverne & Shirley, however. She had a successful film career, appearing in classics like American Graffiti and The Conversation. Born in Van Nuys, California in 1947, Cindy was drawn to acting from an early age and honed her skills at L.A. City College, where she majored in Theatre Arts.
Throughout her career, she appeared on popular shows like Room 222, Nanny and the Professor, and Love, American Style, as well as making guest appearances on Law and Order: SVU, 7th Heaven, and 8 Simple Rules.”
Cindy was also a seasoned theater actress, with credits that include Death Trap, Nunsense, Grease, Menopause the Musical, Middletown, The Female OddCouple, and a Broadway turn on The Drowsy Chaperone. She was also a writer, penning a book, Shirley I Jest: A Storied Life, and starring in a one-woman show, Me, Myself and Shirley. Cindy left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and her loss is being felt deeply by fans and colleagues alike.
On her website, a simple note marks her birth and death years, reading, “Cindy lit up our lives with laughter.” We will never forget the laughter and joy that Cindy brought into our lives. Rest in peace, legend.
