Cindy Williams would reenact childhood memories during episodes of Laverne & Shirley
The best writers in television are observant, and are willing to take quality work, no matter where it comes from. Take, for example, Laverne & Shirley. What began as a seemingly one-off guest spot on Happy Days became an incredibly successful series because it was recognized that there was potential between actors Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall.
During an interview with The State, Williams revealed that occasionally, she and Marshall were invited by writers to contribute lines to Laverne & Shirley scripts.
"That kind of thing is beneath other shows," Williams said "But I know and Penny knows it will connect."
Williams often added many of her own sayings or childhood memories into episodes. While this might feel a bit too intimate, it's important to understand just how dedicated Williams was to her craft.
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"My career is a thing, a love affair," she said. "I think all actors worth their salt are having a love affair with their work. They get jazzed by it. I mean, it's w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l!"
That relationship was reciprocal. "Even the response you get from an audience is a kind of love," she said. "Not the kind you take home with you - but you're still getting back what you gave."
Williams felt that the warm reception her series received was primarily due to the relatability of the characters.
"The vast majority of American women are in the same situation as Laverne and Shirley. Mothers watch the show because there is a certain they can identify with. Kids watch it because it's like a great cartoon. It's fast. It's dramatic. It never lets you down. And for everybody, there's a laugh."
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