The sad news broke today that Erin Moran, who played Joanie on all-time classic Happy Days and its spinoff Joanie Loves Chachi, passed away at the age of 56. TMZ reported that authorities were called to her home in Indiana where she was found unresponsive. In the wake of her death, former co-workers, friends, and fans have been giving tribute to the actress who played a fiery teen generations grew up with, starting with Henry Winkler.
OH Erin… now you will finally have the peace you wanted so badly here on earth …Rest In It serenely now.. too soon
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) April 23, 2017
Moran’s passing marks the death of someone many grew up watching on the golden era of TV. Happy Days ran from 1972 to 1984 with Moran playing Joanie Cunningham, Richie Cunningham’s troublemaking little sister who was a mainstay for six seasons and returned in the season finale to marry Scott Baio (after their spinoff ran its course).
Who could forget when the Fonz had to get Joanie out from the clutches of a no-good gang of street toughs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaMjwMxFcao
For many fans, they didn’t grow up with Happy Days as a primetime staple. They watched Moran when Happy Days entered syndication and greeted millions after school. To them, Joanie and Chachi were their Sam and Diane, their Jim and Pam. It was wholesome.
My sincere condolences. #ErinMoran #HappyDaysFamily pic.twitter.com/5b0AbioZEc
— Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) April 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/scottEweinberg/status/855949886860263429
Rest in peace, Erin Moran. #RIPJoanie #happydays
— Juan Duarte-Roberts (@JuanDRoberts) April 23, 2017
Just talked with Happy Days Marion Ross – She's devastated by news of Erin Moran death. Had just been talking about her earlier in the day
— Patrick Armijo (@patrickarmijo) April 23, 2017
Rest In Peace Erin Moran – dead at only 56— #happydays #JoanieLovesChachi pic.twitter.com/lPr42PfZm1
— JANICE ROGERS (@JANICEROGERS6) April 23, 2017
Sad to hear….RIP Erin Moran…. I grew up watching all those fun episodes of #HappyDays!
— LeanneLaineWineArt (@Leanne_Laine) April 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/KimberlyMBaker1/status/855974925634555905
No one captured the spirit of youth like Erin Moran. She will be greatly missed… #RIPErinMoran pic.twitter.com/1j5TMQO9xF
— Ziggy 🇵🇸 (@mrjafri) April 23, 2017
Here are Joanie & Chachi on the cover of Dynamite Magazine #100. So sad Erin Moran passed away today. R.I.P. #ErinMoran 😢😢😢😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/tiP92Lb4SJ
— Vanished Chicagoland (@vanishedchicago) April 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/peaceandjoy101/status/855963721251913729
https://twitter.com/WAames/status/855959677108015104
https://twitter.com/WAames/status/855959354226364419
Erin Moran is dead, 56. Happy Day's, thanks for the memories pic.twitter.com/48GCRdWfPb
— Unvarnished Opinion (@unvarnishedOpi) April 23, 2017
Moran was most recently on VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club in 2008 and Not Another B Movie in 2010. She fell on hard times of late when reports stated she was kicked out of her trailer home due to hard-partying. Even if Moran had a fall from grace, no one will forget her roles and the joy she gave to millions.
(Via Vanity Fair)
