Cindy Williams, the most renowned American actress for her role as Shirley, opposite Penny Marshall’s Laverne on the beloved sitcom ‘Laverne & Shirley’, died at 75 on January 25, 2023.
News of her death was announced by her children, Emily and Zachary, through their family spokeswoman Liza Cranis. Cindy reportedly died Wednesday of a brief illness, but the news was not released until Monday.
The official statement said, “The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed. Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humour and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.”
Who was Cindy Williams?
A well-known name in the 1970s and 1980s, the actress worked with elite directors in Hollywood. She appeared not only in movies but also on Television. Her acting was praised by everyone.
Early Life
Cindy Williams’ real name was Cynthia Jane Williams. She was born on August 22, 1947, in Los Angeles. Her family moved to Dallas when she was just one and apparently returned to LA when she was ten.
Cindy loved writing and acting. Hence, she started writing and acting at a church in her childhood. She later went to Birmingham High School, did acting and graduated in 1965. Later, she went to Los Angeles City College to study a major in theatre.
Career
Williams’ career started with commercials like Foster Grant sunglasses and TWA. Her initial career on Television featured Room 222, Nancy and the Professor and Love, American Style, among others.
She had been really lucky to bag some amazing roles at the start of her Hollywood career. Cindy appeared as Laurie Henderson in Travels with My Aunt by George Cukor in 1972.
In 1973, she appeared in George Lucas’s American Graffiti. She also earned a BAFTA nomination as Best Supporting Actress for the movie.
Next year, in 1974, she appeared in The Conversation by Francis Ford Coppola.
Williams met Penny Marshall and through her, she met Garry Marshall who later asked both Williams and Penny to make an appearance on one episode of Happy Days. They appeared as Shirley Feeney and Laverne De Fazio on Happy Days and hence the journey of the epic TV series started.
Laverne & Shirley aired for almost eight seasons. Cindy continued her role as Shirley from 1976 to 1982 because she got pregnant with her first child.
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Her on-screen journey started from 1969 to 2020 appearing in various movies and Television shows.
Personal Life
Williams married Bill Hudson of Hudson Brothers in 1982. They welcomed their first child, Emily, in the same year. In 1986, their second child, a son, Zachary was born.
The couple faced some problems in the marriage and decided to part ways in 2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Williams leave Laverne & Shirley?
Because she was pregnant with her first child and the character didn’t demand or allow her pregnancy
2. How old was Laverne when she died?
Co-incidentally, she also died at 75
3. What religion was Cindy Williams?
She was a Catholic
4. Who did Cindy play on Happy Days?
She played the role of Shirley Feeney
5. What is Cindy’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $10 million
Synopsis
The bubbly and ever-smiling actress, Cindy Williams, has left for her heavenly abode on January 25, 2023. Her children made the news public through their family spokeswoman Liza Cranis.
Ever since the news hit, condolence messages have been pouring in.
RIP Cindy Williams. Loved her in American Graffiti and Laverne & Shirley. Had the biggest crush on her as a kid RS pic.twitter.com/t4ECx3mO2m
— Ron Sexsmith (@RonSexsmith) January 31, 2023
Cindy Williams, who played the cheerful but demure Shirley Feeney in the popular TV sitcom “Happy Days” and its spinoff “Laverne & Shirley,” has died. She was 75. https://t.co/xNgIabc5aZ pic.twitter.com/Ne9M58HwcQ
— Variety (@Variety) January 31, 2023
She was darling for some, a comedy queen for some, and someone even had a crush on her. She, indeed, was loved by her audiences. It is time to bid our final farewell to the actress who revamped the meaning of comedy for many.
