Laverne & Shirley actress Cindy Williams dies aged 75

Cindy Williams, an actress best known for her role in the popular 1970s sitcom Laverne & Shirley, has died at the age of 75, her family said.

Williams had a long show business career, also appearing in movies including George Lucas's 1973 film American Graffiti.

She died peacefully last week after a brief illness, according to the statement from her children.

Emily and Zak Hudson called their mother "kind and hilarious".

Her death "has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed", they said in a statement on Monday that was shared by family spokesperson Liza Cranis.

"Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humour and a glittering spirit that everyone loved."