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Laverne & Shirley facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Laverne & Shirley
Laverne & Shirley.png
Genre Sitcom
Created by
Starring
Theme music composer
  • Norman Gimbel (lyrics)
  • Charles Fox
Opening theme "Making Our Dreams Come True", performed by Cyndi Grecco
Composer(s)
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 8
No. of episodes 178 (list of episodes)
Production
Running time 22–24 minutes
Production company(s)
Distributor Paramount Domestic Television
(1981–1984)
CBS Television Distribution
Release
Original network ABC
Original release January 27, 1976 (1976-01-27) – May 10, 1983 (1983-05-10)
Chronology
Preceded by
Related shows

Laverne & Shirley was a super popular American TV show. It was a sitcom, which means it was a funny show about everyday life. The series ran for eight seasons on the ABC network, from January 27, 1976, to May 10, 1983.

This show was a spin-off from another famous TV series called Happy Days. Laverne & Shirley followed the adventures of two best friends and roommates, Laverne DeFazio (Penny Marshall) and Shirley Feeney (Cindy Williams).

What is Laverne & Shirley About?

The story begins in the late 1950s in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Laverne and Shirley work at the fictitious Shotz Brewery. Their job was to put caps on bottles, which sounds simple but led to many funny situations! They were always getting into silly trouble and trying to figure out life together.

Meet the Main Characters

  • Laverne DeFazio (played by Penny Marshall): She was the more sarcastic and tough of the two. Laverne often wore a big "L" on her sweaters.
  • Shirley Feeney (played by Cindy Williams): She was the more optimistic and sweet friend. Shirley often tried to keep Laverne out of trouble.
  • Lenny Kosnowski (played by Michael McKean) and Andrew "Squiggy" Squiggman (played by David Lander): These two were Laverne and Shirley's quirky friends and neighbors. They were known for their strange antics and funny greetings.
  • Carmine Ragusa (played by Eddie Mekka): He was Shirley's on-again, off-again boyfriend. Carmine was a singer and dancer who dreamed of making it big.
  • Frank DeFazio (played by Phil Foster): Laverne's father, who owned a pizza parlor and later a diner.
  • Edna Babish (played by Betty Garrett): The girls' kind but sometimes strict landlady.

Where Did They Live?

For the first five seasons, the show was set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the late 1950s. The girls lived in a basement apartment and worked at the brewery. Their neighborhood was full of interesting characters.

From the sixth season onwards, the show's setting changed! Laverne and Shirley moved to Burbank, California, in the mid-1960s. They tried to start new lives and find new jobs, which brought even more hilarious adventures.

Why Was Laverne & Shirley So Popular?

The show was famous for its regular use of physical comedy. This means the actors used their bodies and movements to create funny situations, like falling, tripping, or making exaggerated gestures. It was often very silly and made people laugh a lot!

Laverne & Shirley quickly became super popular. By its third season, it was the most-watched TV show in America! It was even nominated for important awards, like two Golden Globe Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award in 1979. These awards recognize excellent work in television. The show's humor, the friendship between Laverne and Shirley, and the funny supporting characters made it a favorite for many years.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Laverne & Shirley para niños