Laverne & Shirley star Cindy Williams passes away 

The famous Shirley Feeney from the popular TV sitcom Happy Days and its spinoff Laverne & Shirley, Cindy Williams, passed away on January 25 due to a brief illness. The death of the 75-year-old was announced by her children, Zak and Emily Hudson. 

Williams' big break came in 1975 when she and Penny Marshall were cast in Happy Days as best friends Shirley and Laverne,  who went on a double date with Richie (Ron Howard) and Fonzie (Henry Winkler). The guest appearance became so widely spoken about that it led to their spinoff, Laverne & Shirley. This series followed the friends' lives as roommates and co-workers at Shotz Brewery, running for eight seasons from 1976 to 1983. It became the most-watched show on television, and by its third season, it garnered six Golden Globes nominations and one Emmy nomination. Williams departed the show in its eighth and final season after she became pregnant with her first child.

Cindy Williams' interest in acting began when she attended Los Angeles City College as a theatre major. After doing several commercials, she transitioned to TV in the early 70s with small roles on shows like Room 222, Barefoot in the Park, and Love, American Style. 

In 1973, Williams received a BAFTA nomination for best actress in a supporting role for her performance as Laurie Henderson in the coming-of-age film American Graffiti. She starred alongside Gene Hackman, Harrison Ford and Robert Duvall in The Conversation (1974). 

Cindy Williams' other film and TV credits include Normal Life, Getting By, Bingo, Meet Wally Sparks, The Biggest Fan, Strip Mall, For Your Love, 7th Heaven, 8 Simple Rules and Girlfriends. According to producer and friend Bruce Kimmel, Williams had been working on a new show that is set to premiere this year. 

Cindy Williams was married to Bill Hudson from 1982 to 2000, after which they separated mutually. She is survived by her two children.