Actress Erin Moran, best known for her role as Joanie Cunningham on Happy Days, has died. The California native, who also briefly played the role of Kelly DeMartin on The Bold and the Beautiful, was just 56.
Authorities in Indiana reportedly found Moran's body unresponsive on Saturday afternoon. The cause of death is unknown at this time, but speculation about drug or alcohol use has started to swirl due to the actress' recent circumstances: Variety reports Moran had fallen on hard times in recent years, even being kicked out of her trailer park home due to "hard partying ways."
Henry Winkler, who starred opposite Moran as Happy Days' The Fonz, tweeted: "OH Erin...now you will finally have the peace you wanted so badly here on earth. Rest In It serenely now...too soon."
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
In a statement released over the weekend, Winkler also said, "I will always remember Erin with her sweet smile that greeted me on the very first day I walked onto the set of Happy Days in 1974. She was only nine years old. For the next ten years that smile never faded. Unfortunately yesterday it did. My condolences go out to her family. She will always be locked in my heart."
HerHappy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi costar, Scott Baio, shared his condolences on Twitter: "Many people remember Erin for her contagious smile, warm heart, and animal loving soul. I always hoped she could find peace in her life. God has you now, Erin."
My sincere condolences. #ErinMoran #HappyDaysFamily pic.twitter.com/5b0AbioZEc
- Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) April 23, 2017
Moran's latest credits include 2010's Not Another B Movie, 2008's Broken Promise, and her B&B role of Kelly, a friendly neighbor from Katie's (Heather Tom) past who showed up for the character's 2009 wedding to Bill Spencer (Don Diamont).
A statement released by authorities Monday said that an autopsy found that Moran "likely succumbed to complications of stage 4 cancer."
Toxicology tests were performed and results are pending, but "no illegal narcotics were found" at Moran's residence.
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