Her legacy as a talented actress, loving mother, and dedicated animal rescuer will forever be remembered….
Sadly, Cindy Williams, who was best remembered as Shirley Feeney on the popular 1970s sitcom Laverne & Shirley, died on January 25 after a short illness. She was 75 when she died and her two children, Zak and Emily, who have since released a statement through a spokesperson, are still alive.
“The loss of our sweet, funny mom, Cindy Williams, has left us with an indescribable pain that will never be fully shared. It was our joy and privilege to know and love her. She was described as unique, beautiful, giving.” and having a sparkling spirit and a great sense of humor.
They went on to express their pride in her many accomplishments, especially her lifelong commitment to animal rescue, her amazing artistic talent, her faith, and most of all, her ability to make people laugh! They also sent a heartfelt message to their followers: “Thank you for loving our mom. She adored you too.
Cindy Williams, who starred in the smash ‘Happy Days’ spinoff ‘Laverne & Shirley’ after appearing in George Lucas’ ‘American Graffiti’ and Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘The Conversation,’ has died. She was 75 https://t.co/cl0V18kcIF
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) January 31, 2023
Shirley Feeney was first played by Cindy Williams in a 1975 episode of Happy Days; she worked as a bottle capper at a brewery and shared a room with Laverne De Fazio. Laverne & Shirley, a spinoff series, was developed in 1976 by the show’s producers because the two characters were so adored by viewers.
The 178-episode series, which aired over eight seasons, made Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall, who played Laverne, household names. They were quite close for about four years before Williams’ death and remained friends until Marshall’s death in December 2018.
“What a remarkable loss. One in a million, my dear friend Penny Marshall is no more.”
This one hurts. I was lucky enough to be in a movie with her and she also signed my diary on an airplane one time and wrote a really funny story in it. Heartbreaking. What a soul. Rest in peace #Cindywilliams pic.twitter.com/jsaP7uarTR
— Dante (@Dantethecomic) January 31, 2023
Absolute originality, outstanding talent. And what a time we had! I can’t express how much I will miss Marshall, Williams said in 2018. Now that one of the most famous couples has been lovingly laid to rest, the world misses them both.
Until her death in the early 2000s, Cindy Williams continued to appear in films and television shows. In addition to appearing as a talk show host in Canaan Land (2020), she appeared in an episode of The Odd Couple in 2016. Her six-year career has included multiple roles and numerous awards.
Cindy Williams’ family continues to pour in the tributes
As friends, family, co-workers, and admirers commemorate her legendary life, the tributes keep coming.
“Oh, Cindy Williams, how I adored you. She was as beautiful as ever.”
Yvette Nicole Brown, who worked with the late actress on The Odd Couple in 2016, described how she “imagined her to be”.
Henry Winkler’s Happy Days character “Fonzie” called Williams “a wonderful and creative human being”, while Happy Days’ Richie Cunningham, played by Ron Howard, gave a long and heartfelt tribute to Williams:
Every character she developed, as well as the people she worked with, was influenced by her understated intelligence, talent, wit, and kindness. On six different projects, there was an exchange of our acting partners.
After some drama, #HappyDays and #laverneandshirley will be on the agenda. I’m lucky.
“R.I.P. Cindy,” Howard tweeted.
Emily Williams, who was born in 1982, and Zachary Williams, who was born in 1986, are the children of Cindy Williams. In 1982, the same year Emily was born, she married Bill Hudson, one of the musical trio Hudson Brothers, and they had two children together. In 2000, the two divorced. Our thoughts are with her family.
Despite the challenges and joys of motherhood, Cindy Williams has found a balance between her career and her role as a parent. Her family became a source of inspiration, love, and support throughout her life.
Facing personal struggles and triumphs, Cindy Williams shared her talent with the world and left a legacy that will continue to bring joy and laughter to generations to come. Her dedication to animal rescue, her infectious spirit, and her ability to connect with people through her work have left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. As we remember the life and legacy of Cindy Williams, we think of her family and express gratitude for the joy she brought to our lives. May she rest in peace knowing that her unique contributions left an indelible mark on our hearts and the world of entertainment.