'Laverne and Shirley' Cast Set the Record Straight About Discord on Set

ET's Brooke Anderson caught up with the Laverne and Shirley cast as they shared their memories (good and bad) working on the sitcom, which ran on ABC for 8 seasons from 1976-83. Cindy Williams sets the record straight on whether there was turmoil between her and fellow co-star Penny Marshall.

[@IamNobodysHW]

I met David Lander 15-16 years ago at a M.S. event. He gave me a copy of his book on CD ( falling down laughing). He signed the CD. I had found out I had M.S. a couple of years before I met him. When he gave me a hug I whispered in his ear, " I'm scared". He said " we can fight this". It hasn't been easy but I'm still fighting this. Thank you David for your kindness. His book is amazing, makes you laugh and cry. His struggle and strength are an inspiration.

[@glennfromthebronx]

All the best. David seems to be doing well.

[@Janadu]

Thank you for sharing your story. Wishing you all the best in your fight. You got this!!

[@gutsygal6942]

you are so lucky! keep fighting ms!

[@gutsygal6942]

@Rick Charles luckyy

[@star-monkey]

thank u for sharing this. hope u are doing well.

[@spookym123]

Some of my favorite moments on the show were when someone would mention something derogatory, disgusting, or vile, and the apartment door would swing open with a "Hello!", as Lenny and Squiggy entered!

[@SquiggyGirlForever]

RIP David Lander ❤️. You certainly were one HELL of a fighter!!

[@johnstitt3717]

Cindy Williams was hilarious on Laverne and Shirley. My grandmother worked in television, advising how things should look, from attire to the overall interior look of a set. She went to Cindy's place to help with something and took some Polaroids of her and gave me one. I had it in my nightstand as a kid for years. Wow, a real photo of Shirley!

[@johncox2912]

The fact that Cindy goes over to Penny's house and watches TV with her is really touching. No matter what "cast drama" people talk about during the filming of Laverne and Shirley, these 2 women are lifelong friends and sisters.

[@joannereilly9585]

5

[@shayk.393]

that's so sweet

[@allenwoodall5590]

REST IN PEACE PENNY MARSHALL THIS WAS A GREAT SHOW.

[@thomashannan3006]

Now Squiggy! RIP

[@watchmanschannelofdespair]

@@thomashannan3006 Now Cindy! RIP😢

[@winniethepoohandeeyore2]

Rest In Peace Frank, Edna, Carmine, Laverne, Shirley and Squiggy

[@Zapp33311]

Rosie looks pretty good for being in her 60’s. I loved the way she walked like a trucker in the show.

[@galebailey5583]

Every time I watch Laverne and Shirley, I think to myself that without Lucy and Ethel from I Love Lucy, this show probably wouldn’t exist. The influence is evident in every episode!

[@julielove7359]

I miss this era..its sad we heave to get old..these were the best times

[@writer7133]

true

[@kimberlyknott654]

Julie love Julie, I wholeheartedly agree with you! Where in the heck did time go? Best wishes! Kim, Ontario Canada 🇨🇦😀✨‼️

[@lisajackson2329]

Julie love But leaving love and legacy is even more remarkable

[@pumpkinpuna4087]

ANTI-SATAN PRO-LIFE I'm digging your name. God bless u

[@burninbob1]

As the years pass and we look back, I can see how most people have changed AND most of them would sure like to go back to those 'GOOD OLD DAYS WHEN'!!

[@shawndamccormick278]

That stiff towel part in that episode is one of my top 3 funniest scenes ever! 🤣😂🤣

[@vivianshook4572]

I love watching Laverne and Shirley. It is a great show.

[@mariag4677]

One of my favorite episodes was when they were hospital aides and Laverne collected the patients dentures but put them all in one container, then figuring out she didn't know whose was whose....lol

[@tonyktown]

Hard to believe, it's been nearly 40 years since this started airing, and it's still as hilarious as the day it started.

[@darkness904]

iflyTony Yeah, the comedy still holds up after all of these years! Happy Days on the other hand...not as much. But I still laugh when i see this on MeTv.

[@marcusa5521]

+darkness904 That's because Happy Days got lame ass towards the end with all that Joanie Chachi shit, and the Fonz became a putz. I've only watched it in reruns. In the beginning, however, it looked very 1950's and real. By the end they didn't even care I observed. They had like early 80's hair and makeup, and even clothes at times. It was a ridiculous show towards the end with Mork and all. It's like...oh my gawd lol.

[@aichejaye363]

Happy Days, because the show ran out of ideas, coined the phrase: "Jumping the shark." This was due to a terrible episode towards the end of the series.

[@jeffyjohn5673]

True, I think I quit watching it around 81. Because it looked like an 80s show..LOL>..

[@dm95422]

I loved Betty Garrett who played Edna. RIP Betty.

[@dm95422]

Eddie Mekka (Carmine/The Big Ragu) is STILL very much alive and well at 65 years young, so I do not know what you are talking about, Kim.

[@furryfriend43]

maybe he/she meant the actor who played Laverne's dad?

[@migue4793]

I think you meant Phil Foster who died in 1985 just 2 years after the 8th season. ABC wanted Penny to return for a 9th season, but she wanted to take the show to NYC. After Cindy left the show just lost its appeal and the ghost episode was one of the worst.

[@lakeshabrown3915]

Carmine looks even better! He still can sing his heart out, and we love him even more!

[@maychua3465]

I loved "Laverne and Shirley". Very funny show .. There were so many good dramas, sitcom back in the good old days....unlike now.

[@lisalee2885]

Funny Show and I loved The Big Ragoo....Eddie Mekka😀💜 Man he could dance and sing 👍👍👍

[@kristyhenson7725]

I was born in 1980 and never seen this show until I was 36 yrs young (lol) I ABSOLUTELY fell in LOVE with ALL the Character's in Laverne and Shirley:)!!! This was A great cast, well put together by A Genius. I have watched and recorded every episode since I first watched the series. It is A shame that it all had to come to an end. My Favorite Characters are Laverne and Lenny. I also think Carmine is sooo good looking. (lol)

[@valentinahernandez7291]

Now only Michael McKean is left. Rest in peace...everyone else. You are all missed!

[@winniethepoohandeeyore2]

Rest In Peace Frank, Edna, Carmine, Laverne, Shirley and Squiggy

[@anitacalloway5673]

A lot of times older ones find that the things they felt worth fighting over as a young person are no longer worthy.

[@newsreader4321]

I remember this show very well the theme song was played over and over. It came on right after Happy Days and had lots of crossovers..

[@Tonithenightowl]

I love Laverne and Shirley I have the box set. There was always a lesson to be learned on the show as well, so it was not without its moral compass. My fave is when Laverne and Shirley think they have dinner dates with dentists and blow off a prior promise to go with Lenny and Squiggy to some annual event. They end up finding out the dentists only wanted them to cook dinner not be their dates. Now they knew how Lenny and Squiggy felt about rejection. However the fight with the Murphy bed was priceless lol.

[@250joules]

They all still look great, especially Cindy. Happy Birthday!

[@kerryincolumbus]

They all look great compared to what?? A bunch of mummies I guess

[@fozzieatdetourbillnye5514]

They do except for Carmine.

[@drummingdanny84]

496jas I loved her on "Getting By", too.

[@jaysonbiggs8979]

496jas Very few people keep their looks as they age. Same weight? Forget about it.

[@bdh70]

Cindy's eyes look weird. Like she's gearing up to burst into tears

[@faithfulone2509]

I am a big fan Laverne and Shirley....very funny together....

[@linapagliari8003]

Fantastic show great talent here miss Laverne and Shirley rip penny😁🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@jeffdon4]

The good old days!

[@Vatch1966]

R.I.P. Penny and thank you for all the wonderful years of Laughter

[@billmccarron963]

wow Cindy williams was gorgeous when she was younger

[@writer7133]

She still is!!!

[@fozzieatdetourbillnye5514]

Still is. Carmine. Ugh Ugh

[@renegold522]

truly amazing i loved watching them

[@cherijane3776]

Oh my gosh I loved that show!!!

[@Jibbie49]

Google says: David L. Lander (June 22, 1947 - December 4, 2020) was an American actor, comedian, musician, and baseball scout, best known for his portrayal of Squiggy in Laverne & Shirley. He also served as a Goodwill ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

[@kathiec1333]

He also was the baseball announcer in A League of Their Own.

[@RobertMartin-et9nj]

I have primary progressive MS David....and I hear you!!! Still fighting, still living, still loving life to the fullest!!!

[@adrianat5797]

Love all this 70s shows!❤

[@robynsegg]

LENNY AND SQUIGGY AND THE BATH TOWEL. MY FAVORITE!!! LOLOLOLOL!!!!

[@Phoenix85006]

robynsegg my favorite episode was when Laverne thought she was pregnant and Lenny and Squiggy had to decide who was going to marry her and the loser was Lenny 😂

[@daradiant1]

robynsegg Yes! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@rds990]

The tension (according to Penny) was Cindy's husband (Bill Hudson from the singing group "The Hudson Brothers"). She called him "a complete pain". He apparently took complete control of Cindy's career once they married.....screened calls, demanded money, prevented access, etc etc. Control freak I heard.

[@kathiec1333]

Probably why Goldie Hawn divorced him as well.

[@norms3913]

how come lenny didnt show up ?

[@user-gi6ee8vj1y]

When I was a kid, I had the biggest crush on Eddie Mekka! Around 2003, I dated this guy and even though he is completely worthless, I still have a thing for him. I couldn't figure out why I am so attracted to him. Today, they are running a Laverne and Shirley marathon on Decades TV, and realized my old flame looks like a young Eddie Mekka! It's funny how the subconscious mind works.

[@kristent225]

Oh my Lord, looking at them makes me feel so old!

[@christineadams1284]

But happier times. 😊

[@kimberlyknott654]

Kristen T You too ? Lol! Sucks, doesn't it? But I guess we are only as old as we feel...not that that seems to help much, cuz I feel ten years older than what I am! These 70s shows were just the best! Best wishes my friend! 🇨🇦😀✨💐‼️

[@pauldg837]

Kimberly Knott Am still trying to work out how I was only in my early 20's when this show came out, and am now in my early 60's, it just seems like yesterday. I agree with you the 70's were the best!

[@kimberlyknott654]

Paul DG Lol! Paul, I can't figure it out either! Time goes way too fast! 😲‼️

[@pauldg837]

Kimberly Knott Well at least there is some comfort in knowing that many of us feel the same way. 😀

[@angelblue7779]

Loved this show and love all of these people!!!!! I swear they are like old friends!!!! This show was way better than Happy Days!!! The 70s rocked because of people like this!!!!!

[@1mespud]

Thank you, CINDY WILLIAMS for doing your part to help tame mankind with your gift and talent. For me this is how you'll always be remembered and thanks for all the laughs. May GOD bless your legacy and surviving family.

[@2030matrix]

OMG I still love Cindy Williams!

[@williamhackett6980]

It's a shame to see these folks get old.

[@markperez365]

I used to watch this show with my Nana.. ah memories

[@olgabusch9184]

Love the show

[@drewconway7135]

"Who can forget Laverne & Shirley?" sez the person born in 1978. 😒

[@sdseals2076]

I am in the same boat. I love this show, but was born in 1976.

[@Duke_Togo_G13]

Sandra Seals I was born in 75 and it was still going in the early 80s. We used to watch it, and it entered into syndication at the time as well.

[@sdseals2076]

I remember watching the reruns. I just looked up the show, I was turning 7 when the original run stopped.There are very few shows I remember that early on, with the exception of kids shows like Punky Brewster, Facts of Life, Different Strokes, etc. And even some of those were reruns because they started when I was baby or not born.

[@sherryhoernig1062]

try being the person born in 1958

[@kimberlyknott654]

Sherry Hoernig Close! 1963! Time just passes far to quickly! Best wishes "young" lady! 😀✨💐✨😀

[@caseywyatt8046]

They forgot Lenny too

[@markzappasodi]

Casey Wyatt : Not even a mention of him, Michael McKean. I wonder why? I didn't even know the two other ladies.

[@kimberlyknott654]

Mark Zappasodi I don't feel so bad now, cuz I didn't recall them at first either! 😲✨

[@jess4metoo]

Kimberly Knott Remember Rose but not Rhonda.

[@edbrown4218]

Michael McKean still has a great career. He was probably way too busy to appear at some Hollywood autograph show.

[@jess4metoo]

Don’t slight autograph shows. Affleck and Gadot were recently at a fan show among other big names.

[@LisaMarie51968]

There will NEVER be another Laverne and Shirley! Best show of the 70s says me.

[@markgothard7158]

How about Lucy and Ethel.

[@boraxsopanic2670]

Comedy is tough. Making people laugh is not easy.

[@mdaze9753]

Some things are better left unsaid.

[@simonmarshall19]

The late John Ritter was young on Laverne & Shirley

[@krystal1722]

John Ritter never appeared on Laverne & Shirley.

[@MrRibby88]

The angst on the set was business.......glad to see Penny and Cindy remained personal friends.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Lenny and Squiggy used to crack me the hell up. Every time something dirty or disgusting was mentioned by some cast member, the door would fly open and there they'd be, saying "Hello!" Used to get me every time... There was one thing that happened with Lenny that really made it real for me, when Laverne thought that she was pregnant and Lenny...well, I don't want to spoil too much of it, so here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmm6pmSBralsZs0 The part in question happens at around 11:15 and is actually pretty touching for the show, especially considering Lenny and Squiggy's normal antics.

[@DA90027]

I remember the argument over billing one name was first but lower than the other in the opening credits. Real petty shit.

[@geraldfreitag605]

RIP Penny, regardless on the feelings Penny could of done the interview. Was she trying to make a statement ? Does it matter, life is short and look at it now. RIP Penny

[@lajetteholland2905]

When sqiggy used to bite his hand when girls walked by..😂😂😂😂

[@iluvmyboba]

Classy group of people. Love them all.

[@charleswhitley8999]

Sqigmond....Squiggy made ma laugh aplenty...easily my favorite Character on that show!

[@caseywyatt8046]

What Imeant was Michael Mckeon as Lenny wasnt interviewed ether

[@KlassyKat45]

Michael McKean has been very busy since he left L&S. He was probably working and was unable to be there. Odd that they didn't mention him though.

[@aichejaye363]

He is on the series "Better call Saul."

[@KlassyKat45]

Bucky, MM hasn't done Spinal Tap in several years. He's moved on since then. As Aiche said, he's on Better Call Saul and does a lot of theatre.

[@richieh6465]

Wow that was michael mckeon! Didnt realize

[@lisamccall3258]

he's 70 maybe he was ill

[@steveandrews2311]

these dynamic duos where IDOLs

[@Randy-ry9ss]

Squiggy did a spot on The Simpsons that was really good.

[@soniacamp5216]

He also did a spot on the show called The Nanny.

[@hollywinslett7097]

God I Love this show

[@chairmanmeow3693]

Shirley was a doll back in the day

[@barrylonyai1530]

penny marshall and her brother Gary marshall great great actors on and off screen and great great behind the scenes thank you very very much for your great Entertainment us r.i.p. we are still watching in 2019 and in to the far far future all of there shows and movies and interviews thank you

[@lindaeasley5606]

I loved Rosie Greenbaum , Laverne's nemesis 😂

[@nobodyhome7334]

" Night After Night " ( Cause I Guy gets tired of the same ol braod ) " Night After Night " Lenny and the Squiggtones

[@eddietaylor8361]

Nobody Home "Nigh After Night" funniest bit on the show! Wish I had the chords & lyrics.

[@brockreynolds870]

The thing that made Laverne and Shirley so great is that both adults and children could enjoy it.

[@user-kf8wb2cq4f]

Penny Marshall--no doubt--had an Unfair Advantage with Her Brother working on the L&S show. BUT.. Cindy Williams was a truly Talented actress with alot of serious movie credits. Marshall did some good Directing.

[@owen6746]

RIP Cindy Williams ❤

[@murphdrag2100]

1:40 a hanky for blowin' lol

[@mullen25]

i love this cast. penny and cindy were close friends. it's heartwarming and great memories.

[@craigsmith157]

Rosie looks younger and prettier now than she did back then.

[@Muertes-tf2oj]

Lenny and Squiggy were the only reason to watch this show!!!

[@RetroCaptain]

I like that it was a live teleplay. The skits with "canned laughing" were not as much fun to watch.

[@ronaldwelch903]

Love them all.

[@markgarvey5859]

Great show

[@lekoman]

Crazy to believe that this is the same Michael McKeon who went on to become Chuck McGill. Talk about range!

[@pumpkingirl4229]

"Night after Night " 👍🏽😜🎵

[@Muertes-tf2oj]

Lenny and the Squigtones ruled!

[@johnw8984]

Cindy Williams was in the movie American Graffiti which was supposed to take place California in 1962 I think American Graffiti was the inspiration for Happy Days. American Graffiti was directed by George Lucas.

[@MrMelgibstein]

R.I.P. Laverne

[@nildaalamo1658]

My favorite show

[@rockpadstudios]

"Of course I heard it, I have 3 ears don't I" :)

[@Mr.Mister1974]

So Penny does not show up so tells me are some issues. I mean damn move on already. Someone dies then you want to show up, cry and say how much you love them. Do it while they are alive.

[@cheesecakemousetrap]

S6 Active And Axon 7 Dude ? Penny's busy & probably comes at too high a price tag for the expo.

[@mirkopolyak3592]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gneXlYmXqJt5esU The two are like sisters. Penny didn't show up for that event -- so what? She may have been working on a project or traveling overseas or perhaps she was ill. There's a dozen reasons why a person might not show up for a re-union that have nothing to do with old issues.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Penny just died today December 18th 2018.. after a battle of diabetes it took her at age 75.. yes her and Cindy remained very close contrary to what people think about messy breakups of friendships there wasn't.

[@azerethroth5761]

She wasn't there because of her last ET interview, They gave her a hard time.

[@Janadu]

Now we know she was struggling with health issues. Diabetes, cancer, etc. Penny was very private about these things as are many other people. Perhaps she wasn't well enough to appear and her fellow cast members and friends were protecting her.

[@redletter2008]

The show got really bad really fast in the last two seasons. It was almost unwatchable the last several episodes after Shirley left. Why continue “Laverne and Shirley” with only Laverne?

[@goosewhisperer6275]

I didn't like it, when they moved to California, even before Shirley left.

[@johnmcgoo8715]

It became trash and I looooved the show. The charm was two middle class girls trying to make it big in Milwaukee, not LA!@@goosewhisperer6275

[@goosewhisperer6275]

@@johnmcgoo8715 Yes, you're absolutely right! Shirley's "wedding" had to be one of the worst things I've ever seen on TV, too. I realize Cindy Williams kind of abruptly left the show, but I think a class of first graders could have written a better "exit story" for her than the one we were subjected to. All in all, it was sad to see one of my favorite shows RUINED.

[@paralentor]

Reminds me of how Jason Bateman wouldn't go to the Silver Spoons reunion. Is Laverne too big now for them? Ridiculous.

[@judyberends4586]

paralentor. She is real ill.

[@millenniumman75]

1:06 - November 27, 2021 RIP Eddie Mekka!

[@mgrella63]

Ive wondered about this for years can someone answer this question?? Why was Rosie Greenbaum written out of the series??? You never heard a peep about it from any of the cast interviews over the years!! I was so surprised to see her in this interview! I always thought she was Awesome!

[@norms3913]

too bad mr. and mrs. defazio ( leverne defazios parents ) isnt still around

[@suzycreamcheesez4371]

aren't not isnt

[@cvbabc]

Lorraine & Sharlene was one of my favorite shows, along with Snappy Days and Mark & Mindy - Joe Biden, 2019.

[@wndrwmn72a44]

LOL!!!!

[@winniethepoohandeeyore2]

Rest In Peace Frank, Edna, Carmine, Laverne, Shirley and Squiggy

[@CarolAnnNapolitano]

Shirley was a "party girl" on the episode of Happy Days, but I guess they left Laverne kinda loose, and made Shirley a nun. I'm glad, I love Shirley, as a "good girl". I didn't care for talking like that, you get use to the character that way. When it was new though, we didn't know even know her, so it really didn't make a difference.

[@watermelonwishes4193]

Working in a diner-"Betty, pick up your hash blacks... Being guinea pigs before a formal dinner. Laverne doing a no sleep study and Shirley could only eat something gross (I forgot what it was.) Being kidnapped and hung on hooks, then watching them trying to escape. lol Lenny dating Edna Babbish's daughter, who was slightly developmentally disabled. Anyone else have fave episodes?

[@l.5832]

Going to do a Christmas program for a hospital...until they found out it was a mental hospital!!! with one patient taking on identities of doctors. Turns out well when the gang found they got along really well with the patients

[@melbrown5926]

This show was Friends before friends.

[@lynettestamoulis9287]

I love lavern an sherly , my favorite show is when lavern's cousin comes from italy to find work in america that's was funny.

[@hardren101]

cindy king of answered her question with a yea there was discord but cindy is no fool wld be hard to lie when if all was great penny wld not have chosen to skip it.....i remember they lame way they wrote shirly out...

[@gn6300]

Who were those other two women. I recognized Carmine, Squiggy, and Cindy Williams, but who were the other two?

[@cherylchristensen1920]

The one with thelong reddish hair was "Rosie" she was Laverne's the arch nemesis. She came into a lot of money and bragged about it in the early seasons - I guess she was a recurring character

[@lucyinthesky4682]

Cindy died at 75, Penny died in 2018 at 75 as well. Seems like they were always in step. I just thought it was odd.

[@suzycreamcheesez4371]

RIP Penny Marshall

[@pamelahoward2698]

you are right they screw Cindy over money and when she was pregnant that is why she left the show

[@pauldelgadillo1827]

Cindy was pregnant and Gary Marshal totally screwed her over. She was supposed to report from filming but her do date, due to her pregnancy was too close. Cindy, who had her home in Washington State at the time, simply chose to stay home and none of this was discussed until I saw Cindy publicly explaining this on Larry King Live.

[@redletter2008]

Paul Delgadillo - Thank you for these details. I never knew why Cindy left and we didn’t have the internet or other media to research things like this then. What I did know at the time (as a teenager) was that the show was finished. The last episodes without Cindy were just embarrassing and easily the worst in the run of the series.

[@fwdthinker]

I remember the tabloid stories to that effect when I was a child. The show made no sense without "Shirley". Nice to see Cindy and Penny are cool after all these years, though.

[@maryrogers8088]

You are CORRECT

[@azerethroth5761]

She was demanding. Like Suzanne summers.

[@berniecasey7592]

I love that show

[@dennisdiflorio9511]

RIP to the cast of Laverne and Shirley

[@Cefaroks]

Carmine looks like a bigger Bruce Springsteen

[@ms-vv2gg]

sounds like the discord continues