Where To Watch
Did Laverne & Shirley star Cindy Williams almost join Star Wars?
Before Carrie Fisher became forever known as Princess Leia, another beloved '70s star— Cindy Williams of Laverne & Shirley— auditioned for the iconic role. Discover the surprising story behind her connection to Star Wars and why she didn’t get the part.
Carrie Fisher wasn't always Princess Leia
Carrie Fisher is Princess Leia Organa. Forever. No matter how many years pass or how many Star Wars movies get made, the character will always be associated with Fisher. No other actress could have so spectacularly and unforgettable portrayed the bun-haired space princess. It was Fisher's screen presence that so believably grounded Leia as both imperiled and empowered at the same time.
While it seems impossible to picture a galaxy (far, far away or otherwise) in which Leia was played by someone else, the part wasn't necessarily written with Carrie Fisher in mind. Star Wars held auditions for its leads, just like most other movies do. The force must've been strongest with Fisher, who won the part in the end, but some other very intriguing candidates vied for the same role.
Cindy Williams Auditioned for Princess Leia
Among them was one of TV's most indelible sitcom stars.
Throughout the decades that followed Star Wars' success, it was widely rumored that Cindy Williams was considered for the role. It wasn't such a far-fetched report, given her work with creator and director George Lucas in the 1973 movie American Graffiti. Williams took part in the audition process and seemed confident in her effort.
Why Cindy Williams Didn't Get the Role
Years later, in an interview with film website "Lebeau's Le Blog", Williams said she wasn't sure why she didn't nab the coveted part.
"I don't really know what happened," said Williams. "I think George Lucas might have wanted to go younger. I was already starring in Laverne & Shirley by then."
Cindy Williams’ Success onscreen and beyond
Williams played Shirley Feeney on the beloved sitcom. Laverne & Shirley was one of ABC's most popular shows of all time, and Williams was part of the cast for the entire run, from 1976 to 1983.
Her co-star, Penny Marshall, joined Williams in a 1975 episode of Happy Days, introducing the characters who eventually proved popular enough for their own spin-off program.
In addition to American Graffiti, Williams starred in a number of other movies, including the much-lauded 1974 Francis Ford Coppola mystery thriller The Conversation. The film was nominated for three Oscars during the 1975 awards season.
On stage, Williams starred in shows like Grease, Middletown, Menopause the Musical, and Broadway's The Drowsy Chaperone.
A Lasting Legacy in Comedy and Compassion
In a statement issued after Williams' death, her children said, "We have always been, and will remain, SO proud of her for many things. Her lifelong mission to rescue animals, her prolific artistry, her faith, and most of all, her ability to make the world laugh!"
