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Entertainment • Television

Cindy Williams

Cindy Williams was an American actress best known for playing Shirley Feeney on the television sitcoms *Happy Days* and *Laverne & Shirley*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cindy Williams was an American actress best known for playing Shirley Feeney on the television sitcoms *Happy Days* and *Laverne & Shirley*. She also appeared in films including *American Graffiti* and *The Conversation*. Williams was born in Van Nuys, California, and died in Los Angeles in 2023 at age 75.

Early life

Cindy Williams was born Cynthia Jane Williams in Van Nuys, California, and later studied theatre at Los Angeles City College. Sources describe her early interest in acting through school and church productions.

Career

Williams worked in television and film, gaining recognition for roles in *Room 222*, *American Graffiti*, and *The Conversation*. Her most famous role was Shirley Feeney, first on *Happy Days* and then as a lead in *Laverne & Shirley*.

Personal life

Williams was married to Bill Hudson, and the couple had two children.

Death and legacy

Williams died in Los Angeles on January 25, 2023, at the age of 75. She remains closely associated with one of American television’s best-known sitcom characters.

Key facts

  • Williams was an American actress whose career was centered on film and television.
  • She became widely known for portraying Shirley Feeney on *Happy Days* and later *Laverne & Shirley*.
  • She appeared in *American Graffiti* (1973) and *The Conversation* (1974).
  • She died in Los Angeles on January 25, 2023, following a brief illness.
  • She was married to musician Bill Hudson.
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Canadian context

Cindy Williams’s work, especially *Laverne & Shirley* and *Happy Days*, was widely broadcast in Canada and remains part of North American television history.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Cindy Williams?
Cindy Williams was an American actress best known for playing Shirley Feeney on *Happy Days* and *Laverne & Shirley*.
What was Cindy Williams’s birth name?
Her birth name was Cynthia Jane Williams.
When was Cindy Williams born?
She was born on August 22, 1947.
When did Cindy Williams die?
She died on January 25, 2023, in Los Angeles.
What films is Cindy Williams known for?
She is known for *American Graffiti* and *The Conversation*, among other screen roles.
Was Cindy Williams married?
Yes. She was married to musician Bill Hudson.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cindy_Williams
    Supports: Birth name, birth and death dates, major roles, and film credits.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0930286/bio/
    Supports: Birthplace, death place, birth name, occupation, and brief biographical details.
  3. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/cindy-williams/
    Supports: Best-known role as Shirley Feeney and birth/death dates.
  4. ABC News — https://abcnews.com/GMA/News/laverne-shirley-actress-cindy-williams-dies-75-family/story?id=96777975
    Supports: Death, age, birthplace, career highlights, and Hollywood Walk of Fame mention.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/it/name/nm0930286/
    Supports: Marriage to Bill Hudson and selected credits.