Erin Moran

Actress

Birth Date: October 18, 1960

Death Date: April 22, 2017

Birth Place: Burbank, California

As a member of one of television's most iconic families, Erin Moran captivated millions with her disarming smile and girl-next-door appeal. After guest stints on family-themed shows, she finally hit the big time on the beloved sitcom "Happy Days" (ABC, 1974-1984) as Joanie Cunningham, the plucky little sister of Ron Howard's Richie Cunningham. Thanks to outstanding performances by its cast, including Henry Winkler as suave greaser Fonzie, "Happy Days" attracted huge ratings during its entire run. Moran's role on the show became increasingly popular after her character fell for Chachi Arcola (Scott Baio), so much so that the network created the spin-off series "Joanie Loves Chachi" (1982-83), a short-lived but memorable sitcom about the couple's hilarious adventures as aspiring singers. After "Happy Days" wrapped, Moran took lesser parts, yet it was her role on the much-loved series that audiences forever associated her with, making the actress one of the most recognized personalities in the history of American sitcoms. Moran spiraled into drug abuse and periods of homelessness later in her life. She was found dead on April 22, 2017 in Corydon, Indiana; despite early reports suggesting an overdose, an autopsy revealed that she had most likely died from complications of throat cancer. She was 56 years old.