‘Happy Days’ Creator and ‘Pretty Woman’ Director Garry Marshall Dies at 81

Legendary writer and director Garry Marshall died Tuesday of complications from pneumonia after having a stroke.  His death was confirmed by his publicist.  He was 81 years old.

Marshall began his entertainment career in the 1960s by selling jokes to comedians before moving to writing sketches for The Tonight Show.  He went on to create/write several hit comedy sitcoms including The Lucy Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Odd Couple, Laverne & Shirley, Happy Days and Mork and Mindy.

Marshall was also a prominent influence in the film industry, making the transition by writing and directing 1984’s The Flamingo Kid starring Matt Dillon.  Some of his most notable films include such hits as Overboard (1987) starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell; Beaches (1988) with Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey; Pretty Woman (1990) with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere and Dear God (1996) with John Denver and George Burns.

Marshall reunited Pretty Woman stars Richard Gere and Julia Roberts yet again in 1999’s Runaway Bride and also saw major success with 2001’s The Princess Diaries starring Anne Hathaway.

He appeared on screen in many fan favorite films including Hocus Pocus and A League of Their Own.  Marshall’s extensive resume and accomplishments continue on and on.  His impact on the entertainment industry is unparalleled.  Today, Hollywood has truly lost a legend.

Marshall survived by his wife, Barbara and his three children, Lori, Kathleen and Scott.  While funeral services will be kept private, in a statement from his publicist, it was said that a memorial is being planned for his birthday, November 13th.

Celebrities have taken to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to a true legend:

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

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

Garry Marshall was as sweet as he was generous and he told a great story. He will be missed.

— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) July 20, 2016

R.I.P. Garry Marshall. A great, great guy and the best casino boss in the history of film. #lostinamerica

— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) July 20, 2016

I'm heartbroken. My mentor and 2nd father has passed. #GarryMarshall pic.twitter.com/Gpn7beNJyu

— Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) July 20, 2016

RIP Uncle Garry what a sugar pop of a man xx i love u forever #GarryMarshall

— loripetty (@loripetty) July 20, 2016

I was blessed to have worked with Garry Marshall. Not only was he a wonderful director, but also, he was a gentle, loving, kind man. #RIP

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) July 20, 2016

 

 

Source: The Associated Press