10 Facts About 'Laverne & Shirley'

Laverne & Shirley ran on television from 1976 to 1983. The show is about two single women who get into a lot of shenanigans during the 1950s and 1960s. Here are 10 facts about the show you might not have known!

Laverne and Shirley Were on an Episode of ‘Happy Days’

Laverne and Shirley were two characters on Happy Days. They starred in the episode “A Date With Fonzie” and they played two girls of questionable reputation who went on a date with Fonzie and Richie.

The Two Title Characters Were Revamped for the Show

Since Laverne and Shirley were a bit looser on Happy Days, they needed a bit of a makeover before starring in their own sitcom. People wouldn’t really warm up to watching two girls who were easy every week, so they were written to be more innocent in their own show. These girls dated but they didn’t let their dates get fresh.

Cindy Williams Almost Didn’t Play Shirley

Cindy Williams wanted to be a film star, so she wasn’t so sure she could commit to a television series. Since Penny Marshall’s brother, Garry, was an executive producer, Williams was also a bit concerned about how the show was family business. After a few deals were made in Williams’ favor, she decided to do the show.

The “Schlemiel, Schlemazel” Chant Came from Penny Marshall’s Childhood

The chant at the beginning of the theme song is legendary. You can hear it in your head right now, can’t you? The chant actually came from Penny Marshall’s childhood and is something she would chant on her way to school.

The Higher-Ups Weren’t Sure About Phil Foster

Phil Foster played Laverne’s dad, Frank DeFazio. He was the perfect choice for that role, but some of the higher-ups at ABC were concerned about his casting. Why? He had a thick Brooklyn accent and he mumbled when he spoke. They were worried no one would be able to understand him! Lucky for us, they decided to cast him and the rest is history.

Lenny and Squiggy Were Characters Before the Show

Michael McKean and David Lander were a part of the same comedy troupe. They got together and created Lenny and Squiggy, but with a bit of a twist — they were not family-friendly at all. McKean and Lander were invited to a party at Penny Marshall’s house and she asked them to perform. They did and her brother, Garry, was there and liked their act. The one stipulation? They needed to clean it up first.

The ‘L’ Monogram Was Penny Marshall’s Idea

Laverne always had an ‘L’ monogrammed on her shirts, dresses, and sweaters. This was Penny Marshall’s idea because she felt that Laverne was a mouthful and it would be easier for people to remember which character she was playing with a little bit of help. She also didn’t want the scripts to include Laverne’s name a lot.

Penny Marshall Liked Pepsi Milk

Laverne had a signature drink: Pepsi in milk. Now that sounds quite disgusting but Penny Marshall didn’t think so. Penny Marshall actually drank Pepsi in milk and enjoyed it! When she was young, her mom told her she couldn’t have soda until after she had her milk. She would cheat the system by putting Pepsi in her milk and that’s where her love for the taste came from.

The Theme Song Was on the Billboard Charts

Cyndi Grecco sang “Making Our Dreams Come True”, which is the theme song of the show. During July of 1976, the song hit 25 on the Billboard charts. It is pretty catchy so it is not surprising that it made it on the charts.

Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams Were Reunited on TV in 2013

It had been a long time since the stars of Laverne & Shirley were seen together on a television screen. However, in 2013, Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams reunited for an episode of the Nickelodeon show Sam & Cat. They played two co-creators of a 1970s kid’s show who happened to be feuding. This reunion on the screen also was a reunion for the two actresses. They had grown apart but became friends again after doing the show.