For many fans, Mrs. Doubtfire remains one of the most beloved family comedies ever made. Behind the laughter, however, one unforgettable day on set became a deeply emotional memory for Sally Field—one that also revealed the extraordinary kindness of her co-star, Robin Williams. According to Upworthy, more than 30 years later, Field shared the story of what happened while filming one of the movie’s most emotional scenes. As she looked back on that difficult day, she explained how Williams’ compassion allowed her to step away from work and be with her family during an unimaginable loss. Robin Williams recognized something was wrong for Sally Field             View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by People Magazine (@people)   While filming the courtroom scene in Mrs. Doubtfire, Field received a phone call informing her that her father had suffered a massive stroke. According to her account, she made the heartbreaking decision to honor his wishes by asking doctors not to resuscitate him. Moments later, she was expected to perform one of the film’s most emotional scenes. Sally Field/Everett Collection The Sally Field movie story took an unexpected turn when she realized she couldn’t deliver the performance. Rather than breaking down in tears, she felt emotionally numb. Robin Williams quickly noticed something was wrong and quietly asked her what had happened. After hearing the news, he immediately stepped in to help. A gesture Field never forgot Sally Field and Robin Williams/Everett Collection Williams reportedly stopped production for the day and encouraged the crew to adjust the filming schedule so Field could leave immediately. Instead of expecting her to continue working, he made sure she had the time she needed to call her family and begin making arrangements following her father’s death. Field later described it as a side of Williams that many people rarely saw, calling him incredibly sensitive and intuitive. MRS. DOUBTFIRE, Sally Field, Robin Williams, 1993, TM & Copyright (c) 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved/Everett Collection The story also reflects the compassion Williams showed others throughout the production. According to those who worked on the film, he supported young cast members through personal hardships and often looked after people quietly facing difficult moments. As fans continue celebrating this unforgettable Sally Field movie, stories like these serve as a reminder that the warmth audiences saw on screen reflected much of who Robin Williams was behind the scenes. His kindness remains one of the most enduring parts of his remarkable legacy. Next up: Henry Winkler Says One Friendship Has Lasted Since ‘Happy Days’ The post Sally Field Reveals The Heartbreaking Moment Robin Williams Came To Her Rescue On Set appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Ruth A

Gather round, readers. It’s time to make our dreams come true, doing it our way. That means taking a look back at the cast of Laverne & Shirley then and now. This sitcom, centered around two quirky roommates and their even more dysfunctional neighbors, took the TV scene by storm. From the outset it represented a major success since it was a spinoff from the phenomenally successful Happy Days. By honoring its roots and trying all new things — and by assembling a memorable cast of its own — the show really cemented its legacy. It didn’t take long for Laverne & Shirley to gain national attention after its 1975 debut. In fact, three seasons in, it became America’s most watched program of any genre. Admittedly it eventually hit some hard times when pitted against The Waltons on CBS; both aired on Thursdays at 8 pm for a time and viewership fell as a result. The next few seasons marked a rocky patch for the sitcom and its popularity resembled a rollercoaster’s rises and dips. Nevertheless, it endured, ending its run among the top 30 of all TV programs in 1983. Is Penny Marshall still alive? Penny Marshall / Everett Collection Crack open a bottle of milk and Pepsi, because that’s a favorite of Laverne DeFazio, played by none other than Penny Marshall. Marshall herself came from entertainment royalty. With her mother the tap-dancing Marjorie Ward and her father director Anthony Marshall, Penny Marshall had early exposure to the entertainment industry. Looking for focus, she went to her brother Garry, whose writing work included none other than The Dick Van Dyke Show. He also ended up casting her as Oscar Madison’s disorganized secretary, Myrna Turner. THE ODD COUPLE, Tony Randall, Jack Klugman, Penny Marshall. Those who hadn’t used Head and Shoulders shampoo might have felt compelled to after one of Marshall’s earliest gigs: a commercial alongside Farrah Fawcett that juxtaposed their hairstyles. Soon after, showbiz became a family business and her guest starring gig on Happy Days turned into the Laverne & Shirley spinoff. Slightly zany, Laverne could always be distinguished by the fancy L on her shirts, an idea Marshall herself came up with after spotting an embossed shirt in the dressing room. (YouTube) Comedic fun became Marshall’s specialty But she also took interest in directing and would oversee stars such as Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, Denzel Washington, and many more. A League of Their Own, Big, or The Preacher’s Wife all had her directorial hand guiding them. But Marshall never left the acting scene. In fact, watch out for a spooky cameo in Hocus Pocus. Then, listen closely to hear her as the very first guest star The Simpsons ever had Happily, that sharp mind never stopped going, even after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2010. She fought valiantly through it, but sadly a lot of other health complications ended her life in 2016. She was 75. Is Cindy Williams still alive? Cindy Williams then and now / Everett Collection / YouTube Love can be blind, dumb, and unable to smell. Shirley Feeney put up with a lot as best she could, but it wasn’t hard to freak her out, especially when Squiggy was involved. Fortunately for her, Kitty the stuffed cat always had her back — and by extension, that of Cindy Williams. Williams came into acting on her own starting with commercials. Her roles on TV shows and in films then transitioned from small to important, culminating with her acting alongside Ron Howard in American Graffiti as his love interest. AMERICAN GRAFFITI, from left: Paul Le Mat, Cindy Williams, Ron Howard, 1973. Along the way, she actually met and befriended yet another up and coming actress by the name of…Penny Marshall. They reunited for Happy Days and become such a hit, they’d get their own show in the form of, naturally, Laverne & Shirley. Then that, in turn, spawned  as Saturday morning cartoon from Hanna-Barbera titled Laverne & Shirley in the Army, which had Williams and Marshall vocally reprising their roles. LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY IN THE ARMY, Laverne DeFazio, Shirley Feeney, 1981-82, © Paramount Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection. When Laverne & Shirley finally came to an end, Williams continued working with the producers, landing a starring role in Getting By. Later, when John Ritter’s 8 Simple Rules aired, she appeared in two episodes. On the side, Williams now promotes her own book (Shirley, I Jest) and even some businesses, including a Palm Springs Seniors and Baby Boomers Expo. Additionally, she used her celebrity status to promote Visiting Angels, a custom senior care service that works right in your home. Williams is now 74. Is David Lander still alive? David Lander as Squiggy and after in Twin Peaks / Everett Collection Hello! Prince Charming here! In Laverne & Shirley, Squiggy always announced his entry with an emphatic hello! just for the ladies. According to his own assessment, his charms are impossible to resist because God Himself looked down upon Squiggy and just smiled all over him. That seems the case with actor David Lander and his career as well. Fall Down Laughing / Amazon Lander had a lot of things figured out early on: he knew he wanted to act when he was 10, and he created Squiggy while attending college, originally calling him Ant’ny Squiggliano. To further promote Squiggy and Lenny — and their music — Lander and McKean brought on some big talent for their album, recruiting Christopher Guest on guitar and their work paid off. Squiggy became Lander’s most famous role before, during, and after Laverne & Shirley, but Lander still landed some good jobs like the radio announcer in A League of Their Own, and even a brief but jarring appearance in Christmas with the Kranks. THE LAVERNE & SHIRLEY REUNION, from left: Eddie Mekka, Cindy Williams, David L. Lander, Penny Marshall, Michael McKean, Garry Marshall, aired 5/22/1995. © ABC / Courtesy Everett Collection Sadly, Lander actually did all this work while battling multiple sclerosis. It did inspire him to speak about the topic and advocate for people like him; he even penned Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis and Didn’t Tell Nobody. After receiving the harrowing news in his 70s, Lander was determined to go out strong and held on to that feeling for the rest of his life. He passed away in December 2020, but not before leaving some pretty great advice: “I will always have my heart and soul, my wit and wisdom. Wherever the chips may fall, if I fall with them I will make it a point to do so gracefully—and laughing.” Is Betty Garrett still alive? Betty Garrett before and after Laverne & Shirley. Pictured: Garrett and Frank Sinatra (L) / Everett Collection Each apartment has a landlord keeping everything in check. Three’s Company had The Ropers while Laverne & Shirley had Edna Babish. Ms. Babish, the future Mrs. DeFazio, had it all: style, musical talent, and dance moves — and five husbands she’d divorced from. Garrett in an interview / YouTube After many on stage, TV and movies successfully put Betty Garrett on the map. Famously, she can be seen opposite Frank Sinatra in 1949’s Take Me Out to the Ball Game. She really stole the show, but that wasn’t the basis for her joining the Hollywood blacklist, though thankfully she got through that ordeal as she moved from role to role. Shortly before becoming the famous landlady to Laverne and Shirley, Garrett played Archie Bunker’s free-spirited neighbor Irene Lorenzo in All in the Family. ALL IN THE FAMILY, Carroll O’Connor, Betty Garrett, Vincent Gardenia, 1971 – 1979. Soon after, she was able to use her musical background to serenade residents of Milwaukee in Laverne & Shirley until the show ran beyond its originally planned-for end date and conflicted with other projects of hers. So, when Garrett bowed out to work on Broadway, the show explained her absence by saying Edna left Frank. A closet songwriter through and through, Garrett lived a fruitful, eventful life to the age of 91 before dying in 2011. Is Phil Foster still alive? Phil Foster / Everett Collection Has anyone tried talking to someone nibbling someone else’s ear? It’s not easy, which is what the DeFazio family learned after its patriarch got a new girlfriend. And when Frank DeFazio burst onto the scene, he really gave his daughter a scare. Scared enough she took matters into her own hands…with some help. She had one major goal in mind: break her dad up with his girlfriend. Foster, far right, on the set of Fantasy Island / Everett Collection Phil Foster made all the world his stage, from alleyways to shop corners, before joining the fight in World War II. After serving, he returned home where his old friend Gary Marshall recruited Foster as a guest star for The Odd Couple before launching Laverne & Shirley. Playing the short-tempered but caring Frank, who loved his Laverne so much, became Foster’s most famous role, but he worked behind the scenes to establish Foster Children, teaching young aspiring actors so they could thrive and then teach others too. Foster continued this way until his death in 1985. Rest in peace. Is Eddie Mekka still alive? (Everett Collection; Pinterest) When it came to Shirley Feeney, Carmine Ragusa frequently announced in song that he would “go from rags to riches” for her, and lived by that feeling through the show’s run. Born in Massachusetts, Eddie Mekka proved to have a talent for dancing, acting and singing at a very young age. Professionally he got his start on stage, even being nominated for a Tony Award for Broadway’s The Lieutenant. A move to California followed, where he almost immediately he found himself cast as Carmine “The Big Ragoo” Ragusa. LOVE MADE EASY, (clockwise from bottom left corner, Raymond O’Connor, Frank Payne, Simon Desbordes, Melanie Winiger, Ralph Gassmann, Eddie Mekka, 2006, ©Columbus Films AG/courtesy Everett Collection Following the show he appeared as a guest star on, among others, Moonlighting, The Munsters Today, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and, most recently, in Children’s Hospital. Born Rudolph Edward Makjan, he died on November 27, 2021 at age 69. Is Michael McKean still alive? Michael McKean during and after Laverne & Shirley / Everett Collection Did you know Kosnowski roughly translates to “Help, there’s a hog in my kitchen” in Polish? According to Lenny Kosnowski himself, that’s the case. As far as roommates living a floor above go, Laverne and Shirley could have done worse for themselves. At his heart, Lenny’s a good-natured greaser who knows how to deliver a compliment. Present-day McKean / Everett Collection Michael McKean’s journey towards Lenny began at Carnegie Mellon University with future co-star David Lander. He basically had the character all figured out even back then. At first, Lenny only appeared on The Credibility Gap with Harry Shearer, but all that changed when he landed a spot on Laverne & Shirley, his big breakthrough job. THIS IS SPINAL TAP, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, 1984 Just like Laverne and Shirley became a hit duo, Lenny and Squiggy gained a following, resulting in their releasing an album as Lenny and the Squigtones — allowing fans to rock out to their favorite hits. For more music, check out the the heavy metal music of the big screen mockumentary This is Spinal Tap, as well as its soundtrack album. Thanks to his success on Laverne & Shirley, McKean quickly became a household name in a variety of shows and films, ranging from Clue to Planes, Trains and Automobiles. He even added being a cast member on Saturday Night Live for its 19th and 20th seasons to his resume. Michael McKean as Chuck McGill, Patrick Fabian as Howard Hamlin – Better Call Saul _ Season 3, Episode 2 – Photo Credit: Michele K. Short/AMC He ended up guesting on numerous prime time shows, including The X-Files and Smallville. Then, in the mid 2000s, he became one of those characters audiences love to hate as Chuck McGill on Better Call Saul. This man’s attitude towards Slipping Jimmy made Chuck one of the most hated characters in the Breaking Bad spinoff. Even McKean finds him loathsome to this day. His most recent film roles are Pink Skies Ahead (2020) and Playing God (2021). McKean, who is married to actress Annette O’Toole, is 74. LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY, (top, from left): Carole Ita White, Phil Foster, Eddie Mekka, Betty Garrett, bottom from left: Michael McKean, Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, David L. Lander, (Season 2), 1976-83 / Everett Collection Next up: The Only ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ Stars Are Still Alive Today The post The Cast Of ‘Laverne & Shirley’ Has Only One Surviving Star Left appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Dana Daly

Henry Winkler and Ron Howard became television icons together on Happy Days, but their friendship has proven to be just as enduring as the beloved sitcom itself. Decades after first meeting on set, the two stars continue to speak warmly about the connection that has shaped both their careers and their lives. During a recent interview, Winkler reflected on what made their relationship so unique. Despite growing up in completely different worlds, he believes something special brought them together long before audiences embraced them as Fonzie and Richie Cunningham. A friendship that began on Happy Days When Henry Winkler and Ron Howard had their surprise Happy Days reunion, it was like no time had passed at all. / Everett Collection Speaking about Henry Winkler and Ron Howard, Winkler explained that the two came from very different backgrounds. Howard grew up in a family with roots in Oklahoma and began acting as a young child, while Winkler’s parents, who had escaped the Holocaust in Germany, raised him in New York. Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Moviestore/Shutterstock (1570840a) Happy Days, Henry Winkler, Ron Howard Film and Television Even with those differences, Winkler said they instantly connected. He described it as though “there was a string between us,” explaining that they understood one another without needing to explain their ideas. According to PEOPLE, that chemistry wasn’t limited to filming scenes together. It became the foundation of a friendship that has lasted for decades both on and off the set. Their friendship continued long after the cameras stopped HAPPY DAYS, from left, Henry Winkler, Ron Howard, Don Most, Anson Williams / Everett Collection Howard has also spoken about their remarkable partnership, recalling how naturally they worked together. Both actors said they developed an effortless rhythm that allowed scenes to grow beyond the script. Their performances became one of the reasons Happy Days resonated so strongly with viewers throughout its long run. X When Howard decided to leave the series in 1980 to pursue directing, Winkler admitted his first reaction was one of sadness because he feared losing both his favorite acting partner and close friend. But those feelings quickly gave way to encouragement. He urged Howard to follow his dream, knowing directing was his true calling. Looking back today, Henry Winkler and Ron Howard remain one of television’s most admired friendships, proving that some of Hollywood’s strongest partnerships continue long after the cameras stop rolling. Next up: William Shatner Reflects On 60 Years Of ‘Star Trek’ For Groundbreaking Show’s Big Anniversary The post Henry Winkler Says One Friendship Has Lasted Since ‘Happy Days’ appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Ruth A

July 4 marks what would have been the 99th birthday of Gina Lollobrigida, giving classic movie fans another opportunity to celebrate one of the most glamorous and accomplished stars of the 20th century. Long admired for her beauty and talent, she became an international sensation whose influence reached far beyond the silver screen. According to MSN, although she passed away in 2023 at the age of 95, her remarkable career continues to captivate audiences. From memorable film performances to acclaimed work as a photographer and sculptor, she built a legacy that remains as fascinating today as it was during Hollywood’s golden age. Gina Lollobrigida journeyed from post-war Italy to international stardom Gina Lollobrigida easily turned heads with her beauty. / Flickr Gina Lollobrigida rose from modest beginnings in Italy to become one of the world’s biggest movie stars during the 1950s and 1960s. Her striking screen presence earned her roles alongside many of Hollywood’s leading actors, while her elegance and confidence made her a global icon of classic cinema. Rather than limiting herself to acting, she pursued other creative passions throughout her life. Photography became one of her greatest successes, highlighted by an exclusive interview with Fidel Castro that demonstrated her skill behind the camera as well as in front of it. She later established herself as a respected sculptor, proving her artistic talents extended well beyond filmmaking. A legacy that continues to inspire THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, Gina Lollobrigida, 1956 / Everett Collection In her later years, Lollobrigida’s life included highly publicized legal disputes and personal challenges, including allegations that she had been exploited. While those stories attracted headlines, they never overshadowed the remarkable achievements that defined her decades-long career or the lasting impact she made on international entertainment. HOTEL PARADISO, Gina Lollobrigida, 1966 / Everett Collection As fans remember Gina Lollobrigida on what would have been her 99th birthday, her extraordinary legacy remains firmly intact. She was more than a celebrated actress—she was a gifted artist who embraced new creative pursuits throughout her life. Nearly every chapter of her journey reflected determination, curiosity, and resilience, qualities that continue to make her one of classic cinema’s most unforgettable figures. Next up: Bob Newhart Always Said His Four Children Were His Greatest Achievement The post Happy Heavenly Birthday, Gina Lollobrigida: The Italian Bombshell Who Captivated Hollywood appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Ruth A

Dirty Dancing alum Jennifer Grey recently reminded fans that some Hollywood friendships can stand the test of time. The actress shared a lighthearted birthday tribute for her longtime friend Tracy Pollan, complete with a playful throwback photo that quickly caught fans’ attention. While many still associate Grey with Dirty Dancing, her latest social media post focused on something even more enduring than a beloved movie role: decades of friendship. The candid birthday message highlighted a bond that began long before either woman reached some of the biggest moments of their careers. A friendship that goes back to their teenage years             View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Jennifer Grey (@jennifergrey)   To celebrate Pollan’s 66th birthday, Grey posted a humorous photo from a visit to a topless beach, pairing it with lyrics from Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” Her message described the kind of friendship built on always being there for one another, prompting an enthusiastic response from Pollan, who replied with a heartfelt “I love you.” DIRTY DANCING, Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, 1987, (c) Artisan Entertainment/courtesy Everett Collection According to PEOPLE, the two have known each other since their teenage years in New York City. Their friendship has lasted through the highs and lows of life and career, something Grey also reflected on earlier this year when the pair reunited for a girls’ trip. She joked that they laughed together just as they had back in high school, proving some friendships never lose their spark. Fans love seeing the lasting Hollywood friendship between the ‘Dirty Dancing’ star and Tracy Pollan Tracy Pollan and Fox / ImageCollect The birthday celebration also received a sweet addition from Pollan’s husband, Michael J. Fox. The actor shared several photos honoring his wife, including elegant portraits and personal moments together, adding a warm message wishing her the beautiful birthday she deserved. Together, the tributes painted a picture of a family and circle of friends that has remained close through the years. Although Dirty Dancing continues to introduce Jennifer Grey to new generations of viewers, longtime fans also appreciate seeing the actress celebrate meaningful relationships away from the spotlight. Hollywood stories often focus on rivalries or short-lived connections, making moments like these especially refreshing. Grey’s birthday message served as a reminder that genuine friendships can last for decades, offering just as much inspiration as the unforgettable films that first made audiences fall in love with their favorite stars. Next up: Melissa Gilbert Pays Emotional Tribute To Michael Landon 35 Years After His Death The post Jennifer Grey Bares It All In Throwback Photo With Tracy Pollan For 66th Birthday appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Ruth A