Stars all over Hollywood mourn the loss of Cindy Williams.
On Monday, celebrities were quick to react to the news that the legendary actress, best known for her portrayal of the character Shirley Feeney on the sitcom Laverne & Shirley, had died at the age of 75.
Williams’ children, Zak and Emily Hudson, confirmed their deaths in a statement through their family spokesperson, Liza Cranis, explaining that their mother died last Wednesday after a short illness.
“The death of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us an insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” reads the statement received by PEOPLE. “Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was unique, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and sparkling spirit that everyone loved.”
“We were and will be SO proud of her for so many things…her lifelong mission to save animals, her prolific artistry, her faith and most importantly, her ability to make the world laugh!” they continued. “May that laughter go on in everyone, because she would want that. Thank you for loving our mother, she loved you too.”
Cindy Williams.
Christopher Ameruoso
Shortly thereafter, ABC News national affairs correspondent Deborah Roberts responded to the news, writing on Twitter: “Sad to hear of the passing of Cindy Williams, who brought us so much joy and laughter as did the sweet, upbeat Shirley in the sitcom Laverne & Shirley years ago. She was 75.”
Actress Yvette Nicole Brown wrote on Twitter: “I hate this so much. I just hate it! Oh how I loved Cindy Williams. be d #Damn it”
Joely Fisher reshared a video of Laverne & Shirley’s opening credits and wrote “Oh Shirl” alongside it, referencing Williams’ iconic character with three aching hearts. She also added “#RIPLegend” to her tweet.
Rosario Dawson also shared a video of the opening credits and tweeted, “I sing this song with so much gratitude to you both ladies. Absolute jewels. Reunited… Rest in Paradise Cindy Williams.”
Of the actress’ death, Seinfeld graduate Jason Alexander wrote: “I didn’t know Cindy Williams but boy did I adore her work, especially the crazy happy fun fun of seeing her Laverne and Shirley days. I pray that she had a good life and send my condolences to those who knew and loved her. #RIPCindyWilliams”
Ming Na Wen from The Mandalorian wrote: “Loved #LaverneandShirley! Knew this opening so well. RIP #cindywilliams. Condolences to her loved ones.”
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Williams is best known for her role in Laverne & Shirley, which ran from 1976 to 1983 and was one of ABC’s most popular sitcoms at the time. The series grew out of a 1975 episode of Happy Days in which Williams played Shirley and Penny Marshall played Laverne DeFazio.
The pair were one of the most well-known duos on TV, but the co-stars also formed a close bond that stretched beyond the cameras — and they often spoke about that special bond.
Slaven Vlasic/Getty
Aside from Laverne & Shirley, Williams was also known for film roles such as George Lucas’ 1973 American Graffiti and Francis Ford Coppola’s 1974 The Conversation.
Williams also lit the stage with plays like Death Trap, Nunsense, Grease, Menopause the Musical, Middletown, The Female OddCouple and a Broadway Tournament in The Drowsy Chaperone.
Williams also directed a one-woman show, Me, Myself and Shirley; and wrote a book: Shirley I Jest: A Storied Life.
A simple note to mark the years of her birth and death has been added to the actress’ website, which details her current projects and houses archive footage and photos.
“Cindy brightened our lives with laughter,” it says.
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