Where are the cast of 'Laverne and Shirley' now? A look at show's key actors amid Cindy Williams' death
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Laverne & Shirley' was a beloved sitcom that ran for nine strong seasons and aired on ABC from 1976 to 1983. On Monday, January 30, Cindy Williams who played Shirley Feeney in the hit sitcom died, as confirmed by her family. Williams was 75 at the time and had been briefly ill. Her children Zak and Emily Hudson, and the actress' personal assistant Liz Cranis shared a statement to break the tragic news.
The children and William's PA shared the statement with CNN that read, "The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed. 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." Apart from 'Laverne & Shirley', she was also known for 'Bingo', 'More American Graffiti', 'American Graffiti', and many more. She left behind a legacy with a career spanning over six decades. But her credits on the hit ABC sitcom will always be in the lead. The cast of the show also had Penny Marshall, David Lander, Phil Foster, and more. Let's see who's where and what they are up to.
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Cast members who died
Penny Marshall
Marshall played the titular character of Laverne and was an absolute fan favorite. She lost her battle with cardiovascular disease and diabetes on December 17, 2018. She died at the age of 75. She also worked in movies like ';A League of Their Own', 'Awakenings', 'Big' and more.
David Lander
Lander played Andrew 'Squiggy' Squiggman and shared most of his scenes with Michael McKean as his best friend and roommate. He was a Goodwill ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. However, he died from MS complications on December 4, 2020, at age of 73. He was associated with projects like 'Used Cars', 'A Garfield Christmas', and more.
Eddie Mekka
Mekka, who was known for playing Shirley’s intermittent love interest, Carmine Ragusa, died on November 27, 2021, at the age of 69. However, no cause of death was given.
Phil Foster
Foster was already in his late days when he appeared in the show. He died in 1985 at the age of 72 after a heart attack. He played Laverne’s father in the sitcom, Frank DeFazio. He was also seen in 'COnquest of Space', 'Bang The Drum Slowly', 'The Happy Hooker Goes To Washington', and many more.
Cast members who are alive
Michael McKean
The only one from the main cast to remain alive is McKean. For him, 'Laverne and Shirley' was the start of everything. Since then, he has been seen in 'This Is Spinal Tap' and 'Clue'. He also appeared in the critically acclaimed television series 'Better Call Saul' which is a 'Breaking Bad' prequel. He has also been in 'Grace & Frankie'. Apart from acting, he also gave his voice to the character of Grandpa Lou in the 'Rugrats' reboot on Paramount+. But he is a man of many talents. McKean is a comedian, screenwriter, composer, singer, and musician. Mor recently, he was seen in 'Jerry & Marge Go Large', 'Playing God', 'The Good Place', and more.