Are Laverne And Shirley Alive? Unpacking The Cast's Journey Beyond The Brewery
For many people, the names Laverne and Shirley bring back so many fond memories of a simpler time, a period when television shows gathered families together. This iconic sitcom, a spin-off from the equally beloved "Happy Days," really captured the hearts of millions with its charming characters and the everyday adventures of two best friends working at a Milwaukee brewery. Even today, reruns have kept Laverne & Shirley alive for audiences, allowing new generations to discover the humor and warmth that made it such a cultural touchstone.
It's almost natural to wonder about the people who brought these characters to life. When a show leaves such a big mark on popular culture, there's a real curiosity about the actors once the cameras stop rolling. We often find ourselves asking, what happened to them? Are they still with us? What have they been doing since the series ended its run?
This article will explore the fates of the talented individuals who made "Laverne & Shirley" a truly special part of television history. We will look at which members of the cast are no longer with us, and which ones are still around, continuing their creative endeavors. It’s a way to connect with the past and celebrate the lasting impact of this very memorable show.
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Table of Contents
- Laverne and Shirley: The Titular Duo
- Penny Marshall (Laverne DeFazio)
- Cindy Williams (Shirley Feeney)
- The Lovable Greasers: Lenny and Squiggy
- Michael McKean (Leonard "Lenny" Kosnowski)
- David Lander (Andrew "Squiggy" Squiggman)
- Other Key Cast Members and Their Journeys
- The Lasting Legacy of Laverne & Shirley
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Cast
Laverne and Shirley: The Titular Duo
The core of the "Laverne & Shirley" series, which ran for eight seasons on ABC from January 27, 1976, to May 10, 1983, was the friendship between Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney. These two characters were first seen in "Happy Days," a show that was one of the most famous sitcoms of the 70s era, alongside Fonzie. Their chemistry was quite undeniable, and it led to their very own show, which, at one point during its run, was the number one rated show on television. From 1976 to 1983, Penny Marshall, who played Laverne, and Cindy Williams, who played Shirley, drew millions of viewers to their sitcom, which was about roommates who worked in a Milwaukee brewery.
Penny Marshall (Laverne DeFazio)
Penny Marshall, the actress who played the spunky and often sarcastic Laverne DeFazio, was a significant part of the show's appeal. Her character, with her signature "L" on her sweater, was instantly recognizable and quite beloved by fans. Penny Marshall, who brought Laverne to life, passed away in 2018. This was a sad day for many who grew up watching her comedic timing and her very unique delivery. Her passing marked a moment of reflection for fans of the show, as it meant one half of the iconic duo was no longer with us.
| Full Name | Carole Penny Marshall |
| Character Played | Laverne DeFazio |
| Date of Birth | October 15, 1943 |
| Date of Passing | December 17, 2018 |
| Age at Passing | 75 years old |
| Known For | Acting in "Laverne & Shirley", Directing "Big", "A League of Their Own" |
Cindy Williams (Shirley Feeney)
Cindy Williams, the dynamic actress known best for playing the bubbly Shirley Feeney, was the other half of this very successful pair. Her character, Shirley, was often the more grounded and optimistic one, providing a nice contrast to Laverne's more cynical outlook. Cindy Williams continued her role on the very successful "Laverne & Shirley" series from 1976 until 1982. She was a truly integral part of the show's success and its widespread popularity.
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Hollywood was mourning the loss of comedian and "Laverne & Shirley" actor Cindy Williams, who passed away at age 75. Her family provided a statement confirming her death, which occurred last Wednesday following a brief illness in Los Angeles. Her passing in 2023, just a few years after Penny Marshall's, meant that both Laverne and Shirley, the titular characters themselves, have now passed away. This news brought a wave of sadness to fans who cherished her portrayal of Shirley.
| Full Name | Cynthia Jane Williams |
| Character Played | Shirley Feeney |
| Date of Birth | August 22, 1947 |
| Date of Passing | January 25, 2023 |
| Age at Passing | 75 years old |
| Known For | Acting in "Laverne & Shirley", "American Graffiti" |
The Lovable Greasers: Lenny and Squiggy
Beyond the main duo, a pair of characters who lived upstairs from Laverne and Shirley truly added a unique flavor to the show. These were Lenny Kosnowski and Squiggy Squiggman, a greaser duo who often found themselves in amusing situations. Their quirky personalities and their very distinct entrance, usually involving a knock and a "Hello!" before bursting in, became a signature part of the series. Michael McKean and David Lander brought these characters to life with such a memorable style.
Michael McKean (Leonard "Lenny" Kosnowski)
Michael McKean, who played the goofy Leonard "Lenny" Kosnowski, is, in fact, the only one from the main cast to remain alive today. He is now 76 years old. It's almost amazing that he actually created the character of Lenny while in college at Carnegie Mellon University. David Lander, who played Squiggy, was a fellow student there, too. For him, "Laverne and Shirley" was the start of everything, a very significant beginning to a long and varied career.
Since his time on the show, Michael McKean has been seen in a lot of different projects. He appeared in the critically acclaimed film "This Is Spinal Tap," where he showed his musical and comedic talents. He also had a role in the movie "Clue," which is that classic mystery comedy. More recently, he has been a part of the critically acclaimed television series "Better Call Saul," which is a "Breaking Bad" prequel, showing his range as an actor. He has also been in "Grace & Frankie," a very popular streaming series, so he is still quite active.
| Full Name | Michael John McKean |
| Character Played | Leonard "Lenny" Kosnowski |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1947 |
| Current Age (as of 2024) | 76 years old |
| Status | Alive |
| Known For | "Laverne & Shirley", "This Is Spinal Tap", "Clue", "Better Call Saul", "Grace & Frankie" |
David Lander (Andrew "Squiggy" Squiggman)
David Lander, who portrayed the eccentric Andrew "Squiggy" Squiggman, was the other half of the iconic greaser duo. His character was known for his distinct voice and his slightly bizarre, yet often endearing, behavior. After starring on "Laverne & Shirley," the actor landed roles on shows including "101 Dalmatians: The Series," "Jungle Cubs," and even "Saturday Night Live," which is a pretty big deal. He also appeared in movies such as "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" and "Whatever Works," showing his versatility. David Lander passed away in 2020. His passing, along with Penny Marshall's, meant that by 2023, following Cindy Williams' death, Michael McKean became the sole surviving member of the original main cast.
| Full Name | David L. Lander |
| Character Played | Andrew "Squiggy" Squiggman |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1947 |
| Date of Passing | December 4, 2020 |
| Age at Passing | 73 years old |
| Known For | "Laverne & Shirley", Voice acting, "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" |
Other Key Cast Members and Their Journeys
While Laverne, Shirley, Lenny, and Squiggy were the central figures, the show also featured a supporting cast that contributed greatly to its charm and humor. These actors helped build the world around the two main characters, making the Milwaukee setting feel very real and lived-in. Their performances were a big part of why the series connected so deeply with its audience.
The provided text mentions that "most of the actors who made Laverne & Shirley a cultural touchstone in the '70s have since passed away." This includes Eddie Mekka, who played Carmine Ragusa, the aspiring singer and dancer, and Shirley's on-again, off-again boyfriend. Following Mekka’s passing, there were only two living cast members from Laverne and Shirley: Cindy Williams and Michael McKean. With Cindy Williams' passing in 2023, Michael McKean, who played Leonard “Lenny” Kosnowski, is now the only surviving member of the original main cast of "Laverne & Shirley."
The Lasting Legacy of Laverne & Shirley
"Laverne & Shirley" premiered on January 27, 1976, and few could have predicted its massive cultural impact. The series, a fiction comedy produced by Paramount Television, truly became a phenomenon. It wasn't just a popular show; it was a cultural touchstone that reflected the lives and dreams of working-class young women in the 1950s and 60s. The show’s humor, its heartfelt moments, and the relatable struggles of its characters resonated with viewers across the country.
The show’s enduring popularity, even through reruns, shows just how much it means to people. It’s a series that continues to bring laughter and a sense of comfort to those who watch it. The actors, like Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, David Lander, and Michael McKean, created characters that felt like friends, and that kind of connection lasts a very long time. Their work on this sitcom has left an indelible mark on television history, and it continues to be celebrated by fans of all ages. You can learn more about classic sitcoms on our site, and also check out this page for more about television history.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cast
Is Michael McKean the only original cast member still alive from Laverne and Shirley?
Yes, as of 2024, Michael McKean, who played Leonard "Lenny" Kosnowski, is the only surviving member of the original main cast of "Laverne & Shirley." Cindy Williams, who played Shirley, passed away in 2023, and Penny Marshall, who played Laverne, passed away in 2018. David Lander, who played Squiggy, also passed away in 2020.
When did Cindy Williams, who played Shirley, pass away?
Cindy Williams, the actress known for her role as Shirley Feeney, passed away on January 25, 2023, at the age of 75. Her family confirmed her death, stating it followed a brief illness. Her passing was a significant moment for fans of the show, as it meant both titular characters had now passed.
What has Michael McKean done since "Laverne & Shirley" ended?
Since his time on "Laverne & Shirley," Michael McKean has had a very busy and varied career. He has appeared in notable films like "This Is Spinal Tap" and "Clue." In television, he has been seen in critically acclaimed series such as "Better Call Saul," which is a prequel to "Breaking Bad," and also "Grace & Frankie." He has maintained a very active presence in the entertainment industry. For more information, you might look at a reputable entertainment news site.
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Where The Laverne & Shirley Actors Are Now — Are Lenny & Squiggy Still
Laverne & Shirley - Laverne & Shirley Photo (20776064) - Fanpop
Where The Laverne & Shirley Actors Are Now — Are Lenny & Squiggy Still
