Cindy Williams was an American actress and producer who rose to fame for her role as Shirley Feeney on the sitcom Laverne & Shirley. She also appeared in movies such as American Graffiti and The Conversation. She was married to musician Bill Hudson and had two children, Emily and Zachary. She died on January 25, 2023, at the age of 75. Here is everything you need to know about her life and her son Zachary Hudson.
Early Life and Career of Cindy Williams
Cindy Williams was born on August 22, 1947, in Van Nuys, California. She moved to Dallas with her family when she was one year old and returned to Los Angeles when she was ten. She attended Birmingham High School and Los Angeles City College, where she majored in theater. She started her professional career by landing national commercials for brands such as Foster Grant sunglasses and TWA
She made her film debut in Travels with My Aunt, directed by George Cukor, in 1972. She gained recognition for her role as Laurie Henderson, the high school sweetheart of Ron Howard’s character, in George Lucas’s American Graffiti in 1973. She earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance. She also starred in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation in 1974. She auditioned for the role of Princess Leia in Star Wars, but the part went to Carrie Fisher
She met Penny Marshall, who would become her co-star and friend, at Francis Ford Coppola’s Zoetrope company, where they were hired as comedy writers. They were invited by Penny’s brother, Garry Marshall, to appear on an episode of Happy Days as the dates of Richie and Fonzie. Their characters, Laverne De Fazio and Shirley Feeney, were so popular that they got their own spin-off series, Laverne & Shirley, in 1976. The show ran for eight seasons and was one of the most successful sitcoms of the 1970s and 1980s
Marriage and Children of Cindy Williams
Cindy Williams married Bill Hudson, a member of the musical group The Hudson Brothers, in 1982. They had two children, Emily and Zachary. Emily was born in 1982 and Zachary was born in 1986. Cindy and Bill divorced in 2000
Bill Hudson was previously married to actress Goldie Hawn, with whom he had two children, Kate and Oliver Hudson. Kate and Oliver have a strained relationship with their biological father and consider Kurt Russell, Goldie’s longtime partner, as their father. Kate and Oliver have expressed their interest in reconnecting with their half-siblings, Emily and Zachary, on their podcast, Sibling Revelry
Zachary Hudson: Cindy Williams’ Son
Zachary Hudson is the only son of Cindy Williams and Bill Hudson. He is 37 years old as of 2023. He has a sister, Emily, and two half-siblings, Kate and Oliver. Not much is known about his personal or professional life, as he prefers to stay away from the spotlight. He was present at his mother’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2004, along with his sister and father
Zachary Hudson is the son of a Hollywood star and a musician, but he has chosen to live a low-key life. He has not followed his parents’ footsteps into the entertainment industry, nor has he sought fame or fortune. He has maintained a close bond with his mother, who was a devoted and loving parent. He was devastated by her death, which occurred on January 25, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. He paid tribute to her on social media, calling her his “hero” and “best friend”
Conclusion
Cindy Williams was a talented and versatile actress who entertained millions of viewers with her comedic and dramatic roles. She was best known for her role as Shirley Feeney on Laverne & Shirley, which made her a household name. She was also a producer and a memoirist, who wrote about her life and career in her book, Shirley, I Jest. She was married to Bill Hudson and had two children, Emily and Zachary. She died on January 25, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and love. Her son Zachary Hudson is a private person who has not pursued a career in show business. He was very close to his mother and honored her memory after her passing. He is the son of a Hollywood star and a musician, but he has carved his own path in life.