Cindy Williams, ‘Laverne & Shirley’ star, dies at 75

Cindy Williams, an actress best remembered for her long-running TV role as Shirley opposite Penny Marshall’s Laverne on the sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” died.

Her family announced the death but did not disclose a specific cause.

“The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” a 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.”

According to the family's spokeswoman, Williams died on Wednesday, Jan. 25, in Los Angeles, California, after a brief battle with illness, but no other information regarding her cause of death was immediately available. 

Williams is survived by her two children: Zak and Emily Hudson.