Following the tragic loss of Ernie Johnson’s mother, Marjorie Johnson, the NBA world joined the entertainment world to mourn another loss. The NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley had expressed their condolences for Johnson’s family on Live TV after the news of Marjorie Johnson’s tragic demise broke out. Meanwhile, the tragic loss of a Hollywood icon recently drew many emotional reactions from stars across the country, including this NBA veteran.
The “Laverne & Shirley” actor Cindy Williams passed away at the age of 75 after a brief illness on Monday. Williams’ children Zak and Emily Hudson announced the news to the press in a statement. The statement read,” The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed.” Subsequently, former Phoenix Suns star Rex Chapman took to his Twitter to mourn the loss, as several others joined him in his eulogy.
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NBA veteran and other Hollywood stars mourn Cindy Williams’ demise
Rex Chapman tweeted, “RIP Cindy Williams,” and shared an old video clip of Cindy Williams from the 1976 sitcom Laverne & Shirley. Chapman further reacted to the comments with a heartbroken reaction. He replied to a user’s tweet who shared a 1974 video of Williams with the legendary actor Harrison Ford. He said, “What a career and life.”
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) January 31, 2023
What a career and life… https://t.co/YrKNGr9PRi
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) January 31, 2023
Apart from the Suns’ stars, many Hollywood shared their condolences to Cindy Williams’ family.
Michael McKean, William’s co-star in the sitcom expressed his feelings in a statement to Los Angeles Times. He said, “was so talented and so game.” Notably, McKean is the last surviving star from the sitcom. Several stars took to their Twitter to share their grief. Following are some tweets from the stars.
I did not know Cindy Williams but boy did I adore her work, especially the wacky joyful funny pleasure of watching her Laverne and Shirley days. I pray she had a good life and send my sympathy to those who knew and loved her. #RIPCindyWilliams
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) January 31, 2023
Singing this song with so much gratitude for both of you ladies. Absolute gems. United again… Rest in Paradise Cindy Williams https://t.co/G9LVZfym0s
— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) January 31, 2023
I hate this so much. I just hate it! 💔 Oh how I loved Cindy Williams. When I was blessed to meet her on the set of @TheOddCoupleCBS she was as lovely as I always imagined she’d be. #Dammit #LaverneAndShirley Actor #CindyWilliams Dead at 75 https://t.co/Xw19icbpVL via @TMZ
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) January 31, 2023
Ron Howard, who co-starred with Williams in the iconic 1973 film ‘American Graffiti’, said, “I’m shocked because I hadn’t seen her for years and years”, in his statement to The People. He further added, “She’s always had almost a big sister energy around me.”
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Rex Chapman’s NBA history
Chapman played against the greats of the game like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal in the 90s NBA. In his 12-season-long NBA career, he played for four teams, notably, the Suns and Miami Heat. He averaged 14.6 points in 666 games.
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Which is your favorite on-screen moment of Cindy Williams? Let us know in the comments below.