The Hollywood community is in mourning once again after another beloved performer haspassed awayfar too soon.Erin Moran, the actress best known for playing Joanie Cunningham in the hit TV seriesHappy Days, has passed away at age 56. The authorities in Indiana received a call around 4 PM about an unresponsive female and when they arrived,Erin Moranhad already died. No cause of death was given and an autopsy is said to be pending. The actress is said to have fallen on some hard times, which landed her in an Indiana trailer park with her husbandSteve Fleischmann.
TMZreports that the actress had problems with alcohol, and after she ran out of money, she moved into a trailer park in Indiana. She was reportedly kicked out of the mobile home, but that has not been confirmed, nor have any other details regarding her death. After word of her death spread, the late actress' co-stars fromHappy Dayssent out heartfelt tributes on their social media pages, such asRon HowardandHenry Winkler. Here’s what another one of thelate actress’Happy Daysco-stars,Donnie Most, had to say in a statement.
“I am so incredibly sad to hear about Erin. She was a wonderful, sweet, caring, talented woman. As I write this I can’t really comprehend this right now. A very painful loss. It gives me some comfort to know that she’s with Tom, Al, Pat and Garry.Rest In Peace, sweet Erin.”
Erin Moranwas born August 18, 2025 in Burbank, California, the youngest of six children. She attended Walter Reed Junior High School for one year and North Hollywood High School for another year. Her first acting gig was in a TV commercial and she appeared in episodes ofMy Three Sons,The Courtship of Eddie’s Father,Family AffairandGunsmoke, just to name a few, before thetalented actresslanded the role of Joanie Cunningham onHappy Daysin 1974. Here’s what anotherHappy Daysco-star,Anson Williams, had to say in his statement.
“Erin was a person who made everyone around her feel better. She truly cared about others first, a true angel. I will miss her so much, but know that she is in God’s hands.RIP sweet angel.”
Erin Moran also starred in theHappy Daysspin-offJoanie Loves ChachiwithScott Baio, but that only lasted for one season. She would work sporadically throughout the 1980s and 1990s on episodes ofThe Love BoatandMurder She Wrong, and her last credit was a role as Ms. Klien in 2010’sNot Another B Movie. Take a look at the tributes forErin Moranbelow.
