Cindy Williams on smooching Ron Howard during her American Graffiti audition: ''Oh my God, I'm kissing Opie.''

Howard and Williams knew each other long before Laverne & Shirley premiered.

September 23, 2024, 10:35AM By MeTV Staff

CBS Television Distribution

If you're a real Ron Howard fan, you know that Happy Days wasn't the only time Ron Howard and Cindy Williams worked together as an on-screen couple. The two appeared in the film American Graffiti, directed by George Lucas. The film was an absolute success, cementing the actors' place in entertainment history.

In an interview with The Saginaw News, Williams discussed her audition process for the film, which included sharing a kiss with Ron Howard. Williams confessed that during the audition, she instantly recalled Howard's character on The Andy Griffith Show.

"I remember thinking, 'Oh my God, I'm kissing Opie,' she said. "You know, he wasn't a bad kisser."

While Williams was a talented actress in film, she was widely known for her role as Shirley Feeney in Laverne & Shirley. Williams said that even years after the show ended, she enjoyed meeting Laverne & Shirley fans, both new and old.

"I love people coming up to me, and I never refuse autographs," she said. "I am here because of everybody and we are all part of it together."

While fame had its ups and downs, Williams was eternally grateful to the series.

"It has been nothing but a blessing, a great thing," she said. "I was blessed by God above when I got that role. There is only an upside, because I have found that the people who loved the show are fun-loving people, and they have only love to give to you in return."