The Cast Of Laverne & Shirley: Where Are They Now?

Dahlia Toy V 18 Aug 2025

Step right up, if you will, and prepare for a delightful trip down memory lane! For many, the very mention of “Laverne & Shirley” brings a warm feeling, a chuckle, and perhaps even a spontaneous urge to sing that iconic theme song. This American sitcom, which ran for eight seasons on ABC from January 27, 1976, to May 10, 1983, wasn't just a television show; it was, in a way, a cultural moment that truly captured the hearts of millions with its humor and genuine feeling. It truly did become a cultural touchstone in the 1970s, and people still talk about it today, you know?

It’s almost hard to believe it’s been over 40 years since Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney first graced our screens, sharing their dreams and schemes in Milwaukee. The show, a spinoff from “Happy Days,” quickly found its own voice, creating a cast of characters that felt, well, like family. People remember the happy times, the laughter, and the lovable characters who delivered so many laughs, really.

So, a bit of a nostalgia hit recently prompted us to revisit this beloved series. Many fans often wonder what happened to the actors who brought these memorable figures to life. Where are they now? What did they do after the show wrapped up? We'll take a look at what became of the cast members, those who played recurring characters and appeared in more than five episodes over the show's eight seasons, and where they are today, or perhaps, where they went.

The Stars of Shotz Brewery
- Penny Marshall as Laverne DeFazio
- Cindy Williams as Shirley Feeney
The Lovable Sidekicks
- Michael McKean as Lenny Kosnowski
- David Lander as Andrew "Squiggy" Squiggman
The Supporting Players Who Made It Special
The Enduring Legacy
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cast

The Stars of Shotz Brewery

The heart of "Laverne & Shirley" truly rested on the shoulders of its two leading ladies, Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams. Their chemistry was, you know, just something special, making the show a huge hit. They brought the characters to life in a way that felt very real to audiences.

Penny Marshall as Laverne DeFazio

Penny Marshall played Laverne DeFazio, the tough-talking, lovable, and often sarcastic best friend who loved milk and Pepsi. Her distinctive laugh and her "L" monogrammed sweaters are, honestly, still iconic. She really did lead the cast with a unique charm.

After "Laverne & Shirley," Penny Marshall made a rather significant shift from acting to directing. This was, in a way, a remarkable career turn. She directed several successful films, making her one of Hollywood's most prominent female directors. Her directorial credits include big hits like "Big" (1988), which starred Tom Hanks, and "A League of Their Own" (1992), a baseball film that, you know, really resonated with many. She also directed "Awakenings" (1990), a more serious drama that earned Oscar nominations. Penny Marshall passed away in December 2018 at the age of 75. Her contributions to both acting and directing left a lasting mark on the entertainment world, and people still talk about her work quite a bit.

Here's a quick look at some details about Penny Marshall:

Detail	Information
Full Name	Carole Penny Marshall
Role on Show	Laverne DeFazio
Born	October 15, 1943
Died	December 17, 2018 (aged 75)
Post-Show Career	Acclaimed film director ("Big," "A League of Their Own," "Awakenings")

Cindy Williams as Shirley Feeney

Cindy Williams portrayed Shirley Feeney, Laverne’s optimistic, somewhat naive, and always-proper best friend. Shirley's sunny disposition often balanced Laverne's more cynical outlook, creating a dynamic that was, well, pretty much perfect for television. Her character was, you know, very much the heart of their friendship.

Cindy Williams continued to act after her time as Shirley. She appeared on various television series, including "Getting By" and "Normal Life." She also took on minor roles in shows like "8 Simple Rules" and others. Cindy Williams also had a presence on stage, performing in touring productions. In a stunning revelation that, you know, had fans buzzing, she was part of a nostalgic look back at the show with other cast members, which is kind of neat. Cindy Williams passed away in January 2023 at the age of 75. Her work as Shirley Feeney, really, will always be remembered by fans of classic sitcoms.

Here are some details about Cindy Williams:

Detail	Information
Full Name	Cynthia Jane Williams
Role on Show	Shirley Feeney
Born	August 22, 1947
Died	January 25, 2023 (aged 75)
Post-Show Career	TV series ("Getting By," "Normal Life," "8 Simple Rules"), stage work

The Lovable Sidekicks

You simply cannot talk about "Laverne & Shirley" without mentioning Lenny and Squiggy. These two, you know, were just something else. Their bizarre antics and memorable entrance (hello!) became a signature part of the show, and they truly were fan favorites. They added a unique flavor to the series that, honestly, is hard to replicate.

Michael McKean as Lenny Kosnowski

Michael McKean played Lenny Kosnowski, the slightly dim-witted but kind-hearted neighbor who lived upstairs. Lenny's often-confused expressions and his devotion to Squiggy were, in a way, very endearing. He was, really, a character you just couldn't help but like.

Michael McKean has had a truly impressive career, which is, you know, quite a testament to his talent. He has worked extensively in film, television, and theater. On the big screen, he's known for his roles in Christopher Guest's mockumentaries like "This Is Spinal Tap" (where he also co-wrote songs), "Best in Show," and "A Mighty Wind." He has appeared in popular TV shows such as "Better Call Saul," where he earned an Emmy nomination, and "Saturday Night Live." McKean has also had a successful career on Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination. He is, in fact, still very active today, which is great for fans. His work continues to span a wide range of genres, showing his incredible versatility, you know.

David Lander as Andrew "Squiggy" Squiggman

David Lander portrayed Andrew "Squiggy" Squiggman, Lenny's equally strange but loyal best friend. Squiggy's high-pitched voice and his general weirdness made him, you know, unforgettable. He and Lenny were, in some respects, inseparable.

After "Laverne & Shirley," David Lander continued acting, taking on many voice roles in animated series and video games. He also appeared in various live-action television shows and films. Lander was, however, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, a condition he openly discussed and advocated for. He continued to work despite his health challenges, showing, really, a lot of strength. David Lander passed away in December 2020 at the age of 73. His unique comedic timing and his enduring partnership with Michael McKean as Lenny and Squiggy remain a cherished part of television history, you know, for many.

The Supporting Players Who Made It Special

While Laverne and Shirley, along with Lenny and Squiggy, were the main attractions, the show also had a stellar cast of supporting characters who, you know, truly added depth and humor to the series. They helped build the world around the two best friends, making it feel complete.

Eddie Mekka as Carmine Ragusa">Eddie Mekka as Carmine Ragusa

Eddie Mekka played Carmine Ragusa, Shirley's on-again, off-again boyfriend and the local song-and-dance man. Carmine, with his dreams of making it big on Broadway, was, in a way, a charming and persistent figure. He was, you know, always trying to make his dreams come true.

After "Laverne & Shirley," Eddie Mekka continued his career in theater, appearing in numerous Broadway and touring productions. He was, in fact, nominated for a Tony Award for his role in "The Lieutenant" before his time on the sitcom. He also made guest appearances on various television shows. Mekka remained active in entertainment for many years. Eddie Mekka passed away in November 2021 at the age of 69. His singing and dancing brought a special spark to the show, and fans, really, remember him fondly.

Betty Garrett as Edna Babish DeFazio

Betty Garrett portrayed Edna Babish DeFazio, Laverne's stepmother and Frank DeFazio's second wife. Edna ran the Pizza Bowl and was, you know, a warm and supportive presence in the girls' lives. She brought a certain maternal touch to the series.

Betty Garrett had a long and distinguished career in Hollywood, stretching back to the Golden Age of musicals. Before "Laverne & Shirley," she was known for her roles in films like "On the Town" and "Words and Music." She also had a significant role on another popular sitcom, "All in the Family," as Irene Lorenzo. After "Laverne & Shirley," she continued to act in various television roles and was, in fact, a beloved figure in the industry until her passing. Betty Garrett passed away in February 2011 at the age of 91. Her talent and charm, really, shone through in every role she played.

Phil Foster as Frank DeFazio

Phil Foster played Frank DeFazio, Laverne's gruff but loving father, who owned the Pizza Bowl. Frank's often-exasperated reactions to Laverne's antics were, you know, a source of much humor. He was, in a way, the quintessential sitcom dad.

Phil Foster was primarily a stand-up comedian and actor. His comedic style often involved a lot of observational humor. He had a long career in entertainment before joining "Laverne & Shirley." After the show, he continued to make appearances. Phil Foster passed away in July 1998 at the age of 85. His portrayal of Frank DeFazio, really, added a grounding and very relatable element to the show's often zany world.

The Enduring Legacy

The cast of "Laverne & Shirley" created something truly special. The show, beloved by audiences for its humor and heart, featured a memorable cast whose lives, you know, continued in various ways after the series ended. While most of the actors who made "Laverne & Shirley" a cultural touchstone in the '70s have since passed away, others, however, are still active today, which is pretty cool.

Reruns have, in fact, kept "Laverne & Shirley" alive for audiences today, allowing new generations to discover the laughs and the heartwarming friendship between Laverne and Shirley. The show remains a classic series with a stellar cast, and its influence, really, continues to be felt in television comedy. You can, for instance, still watch your favorites on the TV while switching to, you know, different channels or streaming services. For those who want to revisit the iconic intro to this hilarious sitcom, it's just a click away, very easily found online. You can learn more about classic sitcoms on our site, and link to this page here for more about television history.

The spirit of "Laverne & Shirley" and its wonderful cast, honestly, lives on. Whether through their later projects or the timeless reruns, the joy they brought to millions of homes is, you know, still very much present. To cast from a device to Google TV, you can cast content from phones, tablets, or laptops to your Google TV, making it simple to revisit these cherished memories. Casting is as simple as pressing a button from your favorite app, really, allowing you to watch these beloved shows. For more information on casting, you can visit the Official Google Cast Help Center, which is very helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cast

People often have questions about the cast of "Laverne & Shirley." Here are some common inquiries:

What happened to the cast of Laverne & Shirley after the show ended?
After "Laverne & Shirley," the cast members went on to pursue various careers. Penny Marshall became a highly successful film director, while Cindy Williams continued acting in TV and on stage. Michael McKean has had a prolific career in film, TV, and theater, and David Lander continued voice acting and advocated for MS awareness. Other cast members, you know, also continued their work in entertainment, some focusing on theater, others on guest appearances.

Are Laverne and Shirley still alive today?
Sadly, both Penny Marshall (Laverne) and Cindy Williams (Shirley) passed away. Penny Marshall died in 2018, and Cindy Williams passed away in 2023. Their work on the show, however, continues to be enjoyed by fans through reruns and streaming, really keeping their memory alive.

What did Penny Marshall do after her role as Laverne?
Penny Marshall made a significant name for herself as a film director after "Laverne & Shirley." She directed several major motion pictures, including "Big," "A League of Their Own," and "Awakenings." Her work behind the camera was, you know, just as impactful as her acting, if not more so, making her a trailblazer for women in Hollywood.

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