Happy Days stars pay tribute to actress Erin Moran

Ron Howard and Henry Winkler have lead tributes to their Happy Days co-star Erin Moran, who has died at the age of 56.

It’s understood that Moran passed away at her home in Indiana on Saturday afternoon.

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Moran’s passing in a statement released to Entertainment Weekly. “Harrison County dispatch received a 911 call referencing an unresponsive female” it read. “Upon the arrival of first responders, it was determined that Erin Marie Moran Fleischmann was deceased.”

The actress was probably best known for paying Ron Howard’s younger sister, Joanie Cunningham, in American sitcom Happy Days. She reprised the role in spin-off series Joanie Loves Chachie with Scott Baio.

Howard led tributes to his former co-star.

Such sad sad news. RIP Erin. I'll always choose to remember you on our show making scenes better, getting laughs and lighting up tv screens. https://t.co/8HmdL0JKlf

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) April 23, 2017

And Henry Winkler, who played The Fonz, shared his sorrow at the passing of an old friend.

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