Ron Howard remembers American Graffiti’s Cindy Williams in his way. The Hollywood giant who died on Wednesday plunged the world into mourning. Williams was much more than an actress. She was a family woman, loved and cherished by her own.
Following her passing on Wednesday, after suffering a brief illness, her children Zak and Emily Hudson shared how sad they felt knowing their mother was no more. The family’s statement released by Williams’ personal assistant Liz Cranis also touched on her distinct personality, including a sense of humor and generosity.
American Graffiti’s Cindy Williams had a career that lasted her entire life. She broke into the limelight and became a staple after starring in “Laverne & Shirley.” Before then, she had featured in “Happy Days,” the ABC show which ran from 1976 to 1983 and became a must-watch.
Like her kids, those she worked with can never forget the time they shared, as American Graffiti’s Cindy Williams was a rare gem. Though it has been years since they worked together, Ron Howard Remembers Cindy Williams after the news of her passing.
my heart sank when I saw that cindy williams passed away 🙏
this two-minute clip from AMERICAN GRAFFITI, one of my favorite movies, is just an acting masterclass. how she says “go to hell!” at the end to @RealRonHoward’s steve is perfect & breaks my ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fcdd5PXWCP
— EJ Paras (@EJ_Paras) January 31, 2023
Ron Howard Remembers Cindy Williams Saying, “I’m shocked.”
Ron Howard Remembers Cindy Williams, who died at age 75 on January 25 in Los Angeles. The pair co-starred in the evergreen “American Graffiti.” Howard recalled filming his first kissing scene as a naive 18-year-old, but thankfully, Williams, 24 at the time, did not mind. Instead, the BAFTA nominee tutored him.
From then on, he saw her as a big sister, and the actress never stopped looking after him while on set. He admitted that she arrested him like a child when they worked. Williams was ever ready to help out. They were paired for five years in different dramas and sitcoms, and their unique chemistry kept them going.
The director raved about how intentional she was in the industry, never falling victim to the illusions surrounding the entertainment business. Amid keeping her head in the game, she possessed a loveable aura and humor and was a beauty with brains. Such dedication to her craft inspired Howard. Hearing about her death was unbelievable. According to him:
“I’m shocked because I hadn’t seen her for years and years.”
In the end, Howard added:
“I’m glad to be able to comment on her life because she lived it with a lot of integrity.”
American Graffiti’s Cindy Williams still had charm even in old age, and while she might not have lived more than age 75, her years had significant impacts. So while she may be gone, she is never forgotten, as her legacy lives on in the industry and the hearts of many.