LOS ANGELES — Legendary TV and movie producer and director Garry Marshall, known for shows such as Mork and Mindy, Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, as well as films including Pretty Woman and The Princess Diaries, has died at the age of 81, according to his publicist, Michelle Bega.
Marshall passed away from complications of pneumonia following a stroke at a hospital, Bega said in a statement Tuesday.
The Hollywood legend directed, produced and starred in films and TV shows since the late 1950’s.
He directed 18 films, including big screen hits like Beaches, Overboard, Runaway Bride, Valentine’s Day and 1990’s Pretty Woman, which made a star of Julia Roberts and gave Richard Gere his first hit in years.
Marshall’s sister, actress Penny Marshall, starred as Laverne DeFazio in Laverne & Shirley.
Other well-known TV shows Marshall worked on included: Angie, Love, American Style, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Odd Couple and Gomer Pyle: USMC.
According to Bega, Marshall had just completed a re-write for the Broadway-bound version of Pretty Woman.
Garry Kent Maschiarelli was born in 1934 in The Bronx, New York and graduated from Northwestern University.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, nurse Barbara Sue Marshall, and leaves behind his two sisters, three children, and six grandchildren.
“He loved telling stories, making people laugh, and playing softball, winning numerous championships. Even at age 81, he had a record this year of 6 – 1 pitching for his team,” Bega said.
Several stars posted tributes to the famed director and producer on social media, thanking him for his many contributions to their craft.
Garry's manta, to those who succeeded in entertainment was simple…"Life is more important that show business". https://t.co/gGuDMSWmOS
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) July 20, 2016
GARRY MARSHALL Rest In Peace .. Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty , friendship and generosity .
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) July 20, 2016
Our beloved Garry Marshall has passed. Our family will miss him so very much. RIP dear one. pic.twitter.com/F7y3RkLn1Z
— Goldie Hawn (@goldiehawn) July 20, 2016
Garry Marshall was a wonderful man, hilarious, gifted in the ways of humanity and storytelling. He launched and nur… https://t.co/N1raCJkzQM
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) July 20, 2016
Garry Marshall hired me at 15 years old. He gave my wife her start at 18, as a makeup artist. He changed our lives. And MANY others. #love
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) July 20, 2016
