'Laverne & Shirley' star Cindy Williams dead at 75

(CNN) — Cindy Williams, the dynamic actress known best for playing the bubbly Shirley Feeney on the beloved sitcom "Laverne & Shirley," has died, according to a statement from her family, provided to CNN by a representative. She was 75.

Williams died after a short illness, said the statement from her children Zak and Emily Hudson, provided to CNN by family spokesperson and Williams' personal assistant Liz Cranis.

"The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed," their statement read. "Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved."

Williams had credits spanning six decades, but it was her role on "Happy Days" spin-off "Laverne & Shirley" that endeared her to millions and made her a household name.

On the series, she starred opposite the late Penny Marshall as one half of a dynamic friend duo whose adventures powered the show, which ran for eight seasons from 1976-1983.

Born in Van Nuys, California, Williams' interest in acting throughout high school lead her to studying Theatre Arts at Los Angeles City College. Some of Williams' first professional acting credits include a 3-episode arc on the 1969 series "Room 222," and appearances in "Nanny and the Professor" and "Love, American Style" in the early 1970's.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "‘Laverne & Shirley’ star Cindy Williams dead at 75."