Stars across Hollywood are mourning the loss ofCindy 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 sitcomLaverne & Shirley, haddied at age 75.
Williams' children, Zak and Emily Hudson, confirmed her death in a statement through their family spokeswoman Liza Cranis, stating that their mother died last Wednesday following a brief illness.
“We have always been, and will remain, SO proud of her for many things… her lifelong mission to rescue animals, her prolific artistry, her faith, and most of all, her ability to make the world laugh!” they continued. “May that laughter continue in everyone, because she would want that. Thank you for loving our Mom, she loved you too.”
Cindy Williams.Christopher Ameruoso
Shortly after, ABC News Senior National Affairs CorrespondentDeborah Robertsreactedto the news, writing on Twitter: “Sad to hear of the passing of Cindy Williams who brought us so much joy and so many laughs as the sweet, upbeat Shirley on sitcom Laverne & Shirley years ago. She was 75.”
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“We go back a long way from theAmerican Graffitidays to our glorious run of Tuesday nights sitcoms which bound us together for endless promotions. We laughed together again and again,” she continues. “She had great joy, enormous talent and above all perfect timing. I will miss you, Cindy. RIP seems too soon.”
Andrew Walker, who starred with Williams in one of her final performances in2016’sA Dream of Christmas, tells PEOPLE, “Cindy was a beautiful spirit and exactly how you’d imagine from her days onLaverne & Shirley. She brought a playful spunk to set every day, and I feel fortunate to have met and worked with her.”
ActressYvette Nicole Brownwrote on Twitter, “I hate this so much. I just hate it! Oh how I loved Cindy Williams. When I was blessed to meet her on the set of @TheOddCoupleCBS she was as lovely as I always imagined she’d be. #Dammit”
Joely Fisher reshared a video ofLaverne & Shirley’s opening credits andwrote beside it, “Oh Shirl,” referring to Williams' iconic character with three aching hearts. She also added “#RIPLegend” in her tweet.
Rosario Dawsonalso shared a video of the opening credits andtweeted, “Singing this song with so much gratitude for both of you ladies. Absolute gems. United again… Rest in Paradise Cindy Williams”
Seinfeldalum Jason Alexanderwrote of the actress’s death: “I did not know Cindy Williams but boy did I adore her work, especially the wacky joyful funny pleasure of watching her Laverne and Shirley days. I pray she had a good life and send my sympathy to those who knew and loved her. #RIPCindyWilliams”
The Mandalorian’s Ming Na Wenwrote: “Loved #LaverneandShirley! Knew that opening so well. RIP #cindywilliams. Condolences to her loved ones.”
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Williams was best known for her role onLaverne & Shirley, which ran from 1976 to 1983 and was one of ABC’s most popular sitcoms at the time. The series was born out of an episode ofHappy Daysin 1975, in which Williams portrayed Shirley andPenny Marshallplayed Laverne DeFazio.
The pair were one of the best-known duos on television, but the costars also formed a close bond that extended beyond the cameras — andthey often spoke about that special connection.
Slaven Vlasic/Getty
BesidesLaverne & Shirley,Williams also was well-known for film roles such as George Lucas' 1973American Graffitiand Francis Ford Coppola’sThe Conversation from 1974.
Williams also lit up the stage, with theater credits includingDeath Trap,Nunsense,Grease,Menopause the Musical,Middletown,The Female OddCouple, and a Broadway turn onThe Drowsy Chaperone.
Additionally, Williams spearheaded a one-woman show,Me, Myself and Shirley; and wrote a book:Shirley I Jest: A Storied Life.
On the actress’swebsite, which detailed her current projects as well as houses archival footage and photos, a simple note was added to mark her birth and death years.
“Cindy lit up our lives with laughter,” it states.
source: people.com
