Before Carrie Fisher was cast as Princess Leia, dozens of actresses auditioned for the now-iconic role in the original “Star Wars” trilogy. According to Parade, among them was Cindy Williams, a familiar face to millions of television viewers thanks to her starring roles on the hit 1970s sitcoms “Happy Days” and “Laverne & Shirley.”
Inside Cindy Williams’ Audition for Princess Leia in ‘Star Wars’
Williams, who had previously worked with creator and director George Lucas on the 1973 coming-of-age film “American Graffiti,” was already building a strong reputation in Hollywood when the opportunity arose. Her performance in the film earned her a BAFTA nomination and helped establish her as one of the era’s most promising young actresses.
Williams went on to star as Shirley on “Laverne & Shirley,” making her a household name and earning her enduring admiration from audiences.
The show ran for eight seasons and remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 1970s and early 1980s. That momentum led her to audition for Princess Leia — a part that would later become one of the most celebrated female roles in film history.
While Williams ultimately did not land the part, her screen test remains a fascinating piece of Hollywood history and a reminder of how close the casting came to taking a very different direction.
Years later, Williams reflected on the experience during an interview, admitting that the decision still puzzled her. “I don’t really know what happened,” Williams said. “I think George Lucas might have wanted to go younger. I was already starring in Laverne & Shirley by then.”
Cindy Williams After ‘Star Wars’: Her Career, Legacy & Lasting Impact
Williams continued working steadily in the entertainment industry in the years that followed, taking on a variety of roles and making occasional public appearances that delighted longtime fans.
Despite her earlier roots in film, Williams is prominently remembered for her television work after starring in “Laverne & Shirley,” one of the most successful comedies of the decade. She passed away in 2023 after a brief illness, also at the age of 75.
Ultimately, the role of Princess Leia went to Fisher, who brought a sharp wit, emotional depth and commanding presence to the character when “Star Wars” premiered in 1977. Her performance reshaped expectations for female heroes in blockbuster films and left a lasting imprint on pop culture.
Still, archival footage and rediscovered casting clips of Williams’ audition have continued to circulate among fans, fueling decades of speculation about what the galaxy far, far away might have looked like with a different actress in the iconic white gown and cinnamon-bun hairstyle.
