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Entertainment • Actor

Erin Moran

Erin Moran was an American actress best known for playing Joanie Cunningham on the television sitcom *Happy Days* and its spin-off *Joanie Loves Chachi*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Erin Moran was an American actress best known for playing Joanie Cunningham on the television sitcom Happy Days and its spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi. She worked as a child performer before becoming widely known for the role she began playing in 1974. Her work also reached Canadian audiences through broadcast television and reruns. Moran died in 2017 at age 56 in Indiana.

Early life and career

Erin Moran was born in Burbank, California, in 1960 and began performing at a young age. Sources describe her first screen work as coming in childhood, including commercials and early television roles.

Breakthrough with Happy Days

Moran became widely known for playing Joanie Cunningham on Happy Days, beginning in 1974. The role made her one of the best-known child and teen actors on American television.

Later work

After Happy Days, Moran continued acting in television and film, including Joanie Loves Chachi and assorted guest appearances. Her screen career continued intermittently into the 2010s.

Death

Moran died on April 22, 2017, in New Salisbury, Indiana, at age 56. Public biographies and obituary-style sources report throat cancer as the cause of death.

Key facts

  • Moran began acting as a child and appeared in television work before Happy Days.
  • She was cast as Joanie Cunningham on Happy Days in 1974.
  • She later reprised the role in the spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi.
  • Her acting credits also included guest roles on several television series and film appearances.
  • She died in 2017 at age 56 in Indiana.
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Canadian context

Erin Moran was a well-known American television actor whose work, especially *Happy Days*, also reached Canadian audiences through broadcast television and reruns.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Erin Moran?
Erin Moran was an American actress best known for playing Joanie Cunningham on Happy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi.
What was Erin Moran’s birth name?
Her birth name is reported as Erin Marie Moran; some sources also list the name Erin Marie Fleischmann.
What role made Erin Moran famous?
She became famous for playing Joanie Cunningham, Richie Cunningham’s younger sister, on Happy Days.
When did Erin Moran die?
She died on April 22, 2017, at age 56.
Where was Erin Moran born?
She was born in Burbank, California, U.S.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erin_Moran
    Supports: Birth/death dates and places, occupation, years active, and best-known role as Joanie Cunningham.
  2. Television Academyhttps://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/erin-moran
    Supports: Career overview, early start as a child performer, major roles, and death details.
  3. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0602844/
    Supports: Birth information, career summary, and death information.
  4. Apple TVhttps://tv.apple.com/us/person/erin-moran/umc.cpc.77j36w1nx0oimug4oya54owt5
    Supports: Early acting work, role in *Happy Days*, and death details.