‘LIMITLESS TALENT’

Ron Howard, Henry Winkler remember the late Cindy Williams

Ron Howard paid homage to his “American Graffiti” costar Cindy Williams, whose death at 75 after a brief illness was announced Jan. 30. “She loved her work and her art and gave it everything that she had, and she also always found her way to put her stamp on what she was doing,” the veteran actor-director, 68, told People after news of her passing on Jan. 25 spread yesterday.

“I’m glad to be able to comment on her life because she lived it with a lot of integrity. I’ve always respected her.”

Howard also recalled how he last reconnected with her at an event in Palm Springs and he was so intrigued by her “intelligence, energy and sense of humor.”

Williams was also the star of Howard’s “Happy Days” spinoff, “Laverne & Shirley” — which premiered in 1976.

Henry Winkler, who co-starred with Howard on “Happy Days” (as Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli — and appeared on “Laverne & Shirley” — also weighed in on Williams’ passing.

“Cindy has been my friend and professional colleague since I met her on the set of ‘Happy Days’ in 1975,” he said in a statement. “Not once have I ever been in her presence when she wasn’t gracious, thoughtful and kind. Cindy’s talent was limitless. There was not a genre she could not conquer. I am so glad I knew her.”

Howard looked back on how he had his first kissing scene with Williams during filming of George Lucas’ “American Graffiti” in 1973.

“But they weren’t very romantic because she knew that she had this nervous kid on her hands and she had to take charge of the situation,” he said. “And so she was like, ‘Here’s how we got to kiss for the camera. Here’s what we have to do.’ She’s always had almost a big sister energy around me.”

Howard and Williams then worked together for five years after shooting the classic comingof-age movie co-starring future superstars Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford and Suzanne Somers.

He also made guest appearances on “Laverne & Shirley” during its early seasons.

However, Howard explained how it was “interesting” to work alongside her in the Garry Marshall-created series.

“We had terrific acting chemistry, but she always treated me like the kid,” he told the outlet. “… [She was] highly intelligent, very funny, very astute about the world around her. I’m shocked because I hadn’t seen her for years and years.”

Williams’ short-form musical series, “Sami,” is scheduled to premiere in April on Prime Video. She wrapped the project two months ago.

“Cindy was really looking forward to promoting [’Sami’],” series producer Bruce Kimmel said in a statement. “I’ve known her since we began at LACC in 1965, have loved her from the moment I laid eyes on her, and have had so many incredible adventures with her. We were as close as close can be ... I’m so grateful to have had her be such an important part of my life for close to sixty years.”

Williams’ death was announced by her children, Zak and Emily Hudson. “The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” they said in a statement.

“She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.”