The late 1970s delivered some of television’s most beloved and iconic sitcoms, from Happy Days to Three’s Company. Among the era’s biggest hits was Laverne & Shirley, starring Penny Marshall as the brash Laverne DeFazio and Cindy Williams as the more demure Shirley Feeney. As shot girls at the fictional Shotz Brewery in 1950s Milwaukee, Laverne and Shirley charmed viewers with their antics and unbreakable friendship for nearly a decade.
But in 1982, fans were shocked when Williams abruptly exited the show, leaving it forever altered. So what went wrong for one of TV’s favorite duos? When Laverne & Shirley premiered in 1976 as a spinoff of Happy Days, the odd-couple chemistry between Williams and Marshall instantly clicked and endeared them to audiences. During the show’s peak, the pair were among Hollywood’s biggest stars; their images were emblazoned on everything from t-shirts to lunchboxes. But behind the scenes, significant tensions were brewing that would ultimately tear them apart.
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Cindy Williams’ Role on Laverne & Shirley
The hit ABC sitcom Laverne & Shirley charmed viewers for eight seasons from 1976 to 1983. The show starred Penny Marshall as Laverne DeFazio and Cindy Williams as Shirley Feeney, two friends, and roommates who worked as bottle-cappers at the Shotz Brewery in 1950s Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Laverne and Shirley became beloved icons of the era thanks to the comedic chemistry between Marshall and Williams. But in 1982, Williams unexpectedly left the series, leaving fans shocked and confused. So what led to Cindy Williams’ abrupt mid-series departure from Laverne & Shirley?
Why did Cindy Williams leave Laverne and Shirley?
By many accounts, the root of Cindy Williams’ departure was constant clashing with co-star Penny Marshall behind the scenes. Though their characters were best friends on-screen, Williams and Marshall had an increasingly tense off-screen relationship over the course of the show’s run. Both strong personalities, their different working styles often put them at odds.
In her memoir, Williams accused Marshall of verbally bullying her on set. Marshall would belittle Williams in front of the live audience and crew, undermining her self-esteem. For her part, Marshall found Williams difficult and demanding to work with. Williams frequently voiced complaints about the long working hours and some of the comedic material. The personality conflicts created an atmosphere Williams found toxic and upsetting.
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Matters came to a head when Williams became pregnant in 1981 with her first child. She did not feel the Laverne & Shirley producers were adequately accommodating her needs. They refused to provide a place for Williams to rest between takes and denied her request for a reduced shooting schedule. As she entered her final trimester, she felt they treated her pregnancy as an inconvenience to production.
The producers grew frustrated with Williams’ frequent complaints and demands. Series creator Garry Marshall, Penny’s brother, even made a bet with Williams over when she would go into labor as a way to mock her concerns. The disputes over her pregnancy need further soured Williams on continuing with the difficult working conditions.
When Laverne & Shirley was renewed for its 8th season in 1982, Williams did not report to work while negotiations for a new contract dragged on. She was reportedly seeking salary parity with Penny Marshall, along with an apology for the mistreatment she felt she endured.
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However, talks broke down, and Williams proceeded to sue Paramount for $20 million, citing poor treatment during her pregnancy. The case dragged on even after she was released from her contract, preventing Williams from taking new acting roles. The lawsuit created such animosity that it permanently severed her relationship with the show.
With Williams gone, the show attempted to continue in its 8th season by sending Shirley off to join the Army nursing corps. But the magic was gone without the Laverne and Shirley dynamic fans loved. Ratings plummeted, and the show was canceled in 1983 after one season without Williams.
Williams and Marshall never reconciled, remaining estranged long after the show ended. Williams struggled to find acting work after the lengthy lawsuit kept her off the air. She eventually rebuilt her career in films like The Brady Bunch Movie and TV shows like 7th Heaven.
In retrospect, Williams said she regretted how things ended but cited the toxic work environment and mistreatment she endured as the reasons she had to walk away from the iconic role of Shirley Feeney. Though Williams’ departure was contentious and controversial, it ultimately freed her from an unhealthy situation that could have derailed her life and career. By speaking her truth, Williams took back control and paved the way for her next chapters.
