Did Erin Moran die because of stage 4 cancer?

A promotional image for "Happy Days" featuring Erin Moran as Joanie Facebook/HappyDays

Erin Moran, who is famous for playing Joanie Cunningham on the hit show "Happy Days," was found dead last Saturday. An autopsy is still pending, although it is speculated that Moran's cause of death is stage 4 cancer.

The actress, who became famous for playing Joanie on "Happy Days" and the spin-off series "Joanie Loves Chachi," was found dead in Indiana after an anonymous caller informed authorities of an "unresponsive female." TMZ reports that when EMT arrived, Moran was declared dead.

Moran began her road to fame in the early 1970s when she was cast as Joanie. She continued on to play the role in the spin-off series that premiered in 1982, where she was paired with Scott Baio.

After "Joanie Loves Chachi" was canceled after one season, Moran started struggling with life. The actress turned to drinking and developed an addiction. Later on, Moran found herself living in a trailer park with her husband in Indiana, The Hollywood Gossip confirmed.

Unfortunately, Moran soon lost all her money and was kicked out by her own husband from the trailer that they live in together.

In 2011, Moran and three of her co-stars in "Happy Days" filed a lawsuit against CBS for a breach of contract. Moran and her co-stars were asking rightful payment after the network created merchandise related to "Happy Days," where they were not given proper compensation.

A year later, CBS settled with Moran and company and they were given an undisclosed amount.

In 2012, Moran revealed in an interview with James Vallo that she was trying to get back into starring in films and TV shows. Although she was having difficulties, Moran was hopeful that thing will turn out for the better.

CNN reports that the results of the autopsy are still pending, but a statement reveals that Moran might have died due to stage 4 cancer. However, based on some of the tests, the use of illegal narcotics has been ruled out.

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.