The star of ‘Laverne & Shirley’ Cindy Williams stopped by to talk about her new book ‘Shirley, I Jest.’ Williams talked about one of the funniest scenes on ‘Laverne & Shirley,’ and the time Jim Morrison pranked her, but the most animated part of our conversation was when Williams talked about her relationship with Andy Kaufman.
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ABOUT CINDY WILLIAMS
Actress, writer, and producer Cindy Williams has starred in some of the most historical movies and television programs in entertainment history. Her career began in the 1970s in prestigious movies like Travels with My Aunt (with Maggie Smith, directed by George Cukor), American Graffiti (with Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, and Richard Dreyfuss and directed by George Lucas), and The Conversation (with Gene Hackman and directed by Francis Ford Coppola).
Once she and Penny Marshall played “loose girls” on the hit TV show Happy Days, the network quickly ordered a spin-off of the dynamic comedy duo. After changing their characters to blue-collar workers in the mid-West, they made their debut in Laverne & Shirley in 1976. The show quickly became the most-watched American television program, surpassing Happy Days in popularity. The show remains in syndication around the world and has a very loyal following of original and new fans.
Cindy continues to work in her first love, the theater, as she performs in musicals all over the country, and she is currently promoting her book, SHIRLEY, I JEST.
ABOUT CINDY’S BOOK SHIRLEY, I JEST
Actress, writer, and producer Cindy Williams shares some of her most memorable stories in this hilarious and heartfelt new book — including her role as Shirley Feeney in the iconic TV show Laverne & Shirley.
Cindy Williams is one of the most recognizable names and faces of 1970s & 1980s television. While millions have been entertained by her good-natured personality and comedy antics, she has rarely spoken about her life in entertainment, and how she came to star in one of the most popular shows of all time.
Without privilege or wealth, Cindy worked as a waitress at diners and clubs like The Whisky a Go Go until she finally got her big break, first in movies like American Graffiti and The Conversation, and then in television. In fact, Laverne & Shirley debuted in the number 1 spot with over 60 million viewers — something unheard of in today’s fractured TV landscape!
With her trademark humor, Cindy shares stories of her experiences in her personal life (growing up in a blue-collar family), show business and her encounters with entertainment giants like Gene Kelly, Lucille Ball, Little Richard, Cary Grant, Jim Morrison, Ron Howard, and many more. Of course, she also talks about her professional partnership and personal relationship with her co-star and friend Penny Marshall.
Cindy also reveals the real reason she left the popular TV show, Laverne & Shirley – something that would (hopefully) never happen today – and should not have happened then! Many people think she walked out, but that’s not what happened. She had even started filming the 8th season, without a contract.
Here’s what others are saying about Cindy Williams and her book, SHIRLEY, I JEST:
“Cindy Williams: Talented in everything she does. Writing her first book is NO exception…get ready to enjoy.”- Henry Winkler
“Cindy Williams has the comedic timing of Lucille Ball and the physical prowess of Dick Van Dyke. She’s one of our best!” – Suzanne Somers
“What can I say about my best friend? She is hysterically funny, loves dogs, and over-tips. Get ready to go on a wonderful roller coaster ride that is Cindy Williams’ life.” – Lynne Stewart
“Cindy’s book brings back a lot of great personal memories, but it also entertained the hell out of me. The lady can write!” – Ron Howard
“You thought she could act, well wait and see how well she writes. Great book by a great friend.” – Penny Marshall
“A great read – I couldn’t put it down. Not a word of it is true. Cindy who?” – Harrison Ford
