We have some sad news to report this morning as writer, producer, director, and actor Garry Marshall has passed away at the age of 81.
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Marshall began his entertainment career in the 1960s, selling jokes to comedians and writing sketches for a number of shows, including The Lucy Show and The Dick Van Dyke Show. In recent years, his record was spottier; he reteamed Julia Roberts and her Pretty Woman co-star, Richard Gere, in the popular Runaway Bride but his recent comedies centered around holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day were less entertaining (if mostly big hits; Marshall understood his audience better than most). Above all of his professional accomplishments, Marshall had a reputation by all accounts in Hollywood of being a kind and generous guy. And no one is a finer or funnier chronicler of friendship – male or female (or alien) – than Garry Marshall. He had a heart of the purest gold and a soul full of mischief. “Thank you for capturing so much joy on film, over and over”, Robin Williams’ daughter Zelda tweeted. I want to be naked, ‘ and they go through that period. “He was Garry.” Mandy Moore thanked Marshall for casting her in her first role in ThePrincess Diaries, writing on Instagram, “Thank you for all the glorious means of laughing and crying and feeling whole and connected, Garry”.
Sarah Paulson, who starred in Marshall’s 1999 film “The Other Sister” as well as his 2011 movie “New Year’s Eve”, thanked him for “taking a chance on me”.
Jason Alexander, Pretty Woman star: “Garry Marshall gave me one of the best experiences I ever had in my career”.
Happy Days then spawned Laverne and Shirley, which Marshall created with Lowell Ganz and Mark Rothman, and Mork and Mindy, which Marshall created with Dale McRaven and Joe Glauberg.
In addition to his sister, Marshall is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Sue Marshall; another sister, Ronny Hallin; three children, Kathleen, Lori and Scott Marshall; and six grandchildren.
Marshall died Tuesday in California from complications of pneumonia following a stroke.
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“Garry Marshall, without you there’d be no me”. In a statement, Marshall’s family said his funeral service would be private, but a memorial service is being planned for his birthday, November 13th. “Rest in peace Garry Marshall”.
