Veteran Filmmaker Garry Marshall Of ‘Pretty Woman’ Fame Passes..

The writer-director died from complications from pneumonia after suffering a stroke.

Marshall, who was a former journalist, first found success in 1970 when he and his writing partner turned the Broadway show The Odd Couple into a TV series. Zelda Williams, the daughter of the late Robin Williams, thanked Marshall for boosting her father’s acting career, likely referencing Happy Days and Mork and Mindy.

Marshall is best known for launching many actors’ careers through his hits like Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries, Beaches, and more.

Marshall leaves behind two sisters, his wife of 53 years, Barbara, who made cameos in some of his films, as well as three children, who followed him into the entertainment industry, and six grandchildren.

There’s Henry Winkler. Marshall once said that Winkler was not who he pictured casting when he set out to fill the role of Arthur Fonzarelli on “Happy Days”. His sitcoms were among the biggest hits of the decade, and “Happy Days”, with its embrace of 1950s nostalgia, became very influential in a post-Vietnam era.

But NPR’s Eric Deggans says another of Marshall’s films is among his favorites.

“Rest in peace, dear one”.

Several other Hollywood figures who have previously worked with Marshall have also taken to social media to pay tribute, including Steve Carell, Lea Michele and Zach Braff, who said: “God I loved this man”. Thank you for capturing so much joy on film, over and over.’ she wrote.

According to a report by the AP, Marshall, a NY native, once explained in a 1980s interview, that he relied on comedy when he was growing up in the Bronx. Other actors, from Rob Lowe and Jason Alexander to Alyssa Milano, also were crediting him with helping their early careers, posting tributes to Marshall.

Funeral services will be private, and a memorial is being planned for his birthday on November 13. “I hope I get to go where you are”. He was a mentor and a cheerleader and one of the funniest men who ever lived.

Garry Marshall shared an Emmy nomination, his fifth, in 1979 as Mork and Mindy drew a mention for comedy series.

“He loved telling stories, making people laugh, and playing softball, winning numerous championships”, the statement said.