Long before “Laverne & Shirley” became a beloved television classic, its creator Garry Marshall found inspiration in an unexpected moment of off-camera laughter. While filming “Happy Days,” Garry watched his sister Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams share a playful, unscripted exchange during a break. The two were cast as quick-witted brewery workers on a double date with Fonzie and Richie, but it was their natural chemistry that truly lit up the set. That night, Garry went home and began jotting down ideas for a new show—one that would follow two single women navigating the ups and downs of life and work side by side. Just weeks later, ABC embraced the concept, and a new sitcom was born.
When “Laverne & Shirley” premiered on January 27, 1976, it welcomed viewers into the bustling world of Shotz Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Penny Marshall embodied Laverne DeFazio, the sharp-tongued, street-smart firecracker, while Cindy Williams brought to life Shirley Feeney, the sweet, hopeful dreamer. Their days were spent capping bottles and their nights in a cozy, cramped basement apartment—a setting that felt as real as the friendship they shared. From the very first episode, filmed before a live audience, it was clear their bond was genuine, not just scripted.
Garry Marshall often spoke fondly of the show’s iconic opening—Laverne and Shirley skipping down the street, chanting “Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!” This catchy rhyme wasn’t just made up for TV; it echoed a childhood chant Penny and her friends used to sing on the Bronx sidewalks. Garry insisted on including it, capturing the spirited essence of youth and friendship. Paired with the upbeat theme song “Making Our Dreams Come True,” sung by Cyndi Grecco, the intro became one of television’s most unforgettable moments.
Behind the scenes, the cast’s camaraderie was as vibrant as their on-screen friendship, though the fast-paced production schedule sometimes sparked tension. Michael McKean and David Lander, who played the lovable goofballs Lenny and Squiggy, often improvised, keeping everyone on their toes. Penny and Cindy had to think quickly to keep up, and those unpredictable moments often led to the biggest laughs. McKean later recalled that the best episodes were the ones where the cast felt a little out of control—the kind of chaos that made the show feel alive.
By its third season, “Laverne & Shirley” had soared to the top of the Nielsen ratings, becoming America’s most-watched show in 1977–78, even surpassing “Happy Days.” With fame came a flood of fans lining up outside Paramount Studios, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite duo. The show’s production designer, Garvin Eddy, drew inspiration from real Milwaukee working-class homes to create the girls’ apartment—a cozy space filled with secondhand furniture, colorful afghans, and mismatched kitchenware that felt authentic and lived-in.
One charming detail that fans still remember is Laverne’s signature “L” monogram, stitched onto nearly every sweater she wore. Penny Marshall came up with the idea herself, thinking it would help viewers quickly tell the characters apart during fast-paced scenes. The wardrobe team crafted dozens of these sweaters, ensuring Penny always had a fresh one ready to go.
In 1979, the show took a bold turn, moving its setting from Milwaukee to Burbank, California. This shift opened the door to new storylines and allowed Laverne and Shirley to explore fresh chapters in their lives. Despite the change, loyal viewers stuck with them. When Cindy Williams became pregnant during the eighth season, she chose to leave the show before filming ended, leaving Penny Marshall to carry the series through its final episodes—a challenge she described as both exhausting and deeply fulfilling.
One unforgettable on-set moment perfectly captured the spirit of the show: during a production mishap, bottles flew wildly across the set on a conveyor belt. Rather than breaking character, the cast ducked, dodged, and improvised lines amid the chaos, turning a potential disaster into a hilarious, authentic scene that made it into the final broadcast.
For eight seasons, “Laverne & Shirley” radiated a lively energy, blending spontaneous humor with heartfelt performances. It told the story of two friends who, despite life’s twists and turns, never stopped believing in their dreams—an enduring reminder of friendship, resilience, and the joy of chasing what matters most.
