Movies - TV
Cindy Williams, Laverne & Shirley Star, Dies
At 75
By BJ COLANGELO
Cindy Williams, the actress who played the perky and positive, albeit meek, Shirley Feeney on the popular ‘70s sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” has sadly joined her co-star Penny Marshall, passing away at the age of 75. She will always be remembered as the sweet and nurturing working-class girl she played on TV, helping change the way female friendships would appear on screen forever.
Williams' children confirmed her passing with the Associated Press following a brief illness. “The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” their statement 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.”
Williams first got her start in small parts on TV shows like “Room 222” and “Love, American Style,” but her breakthrough role came as Laure Henderson in George Lucas’ coming-of-age dramedy, “American Graffiti.” Her performance earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and she acted alongside future "Happy Days" co-star, Ron Howard.