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. According to CNN, “Marshall passed away from complications of pneumonia following a stroke at a hospital,” publicist Michelle Bega said in a statement Tuesday.
Marshall created some 1970s and 80s TV staples, most notably The Odd Couple, Happy Days, Mork & Mindy, Laverne & Shirley, and Joanie Loves Chachi. With Happy Days, he created the epitome of cool with the Fonz, and Mork & Mindy is what helped launch Robin Williams career. These are shows that people still reference today, and yet it’s only half of what Marshall accomplished.
He also directed charming comedies like Pretty Woman and The Princess Diaries. Today, Julia Roberts is a star because of Pretty Woman and Anne Hathaway’s career was launched because of Princess Diaries. Marshall had an eye for talent, and he knew just how to utilize it.
As an actor, Marshall was always a warm, inviting presence in movies and TV. If you were to scientifically create what a mensch should look and act like, it would probably be Marshall. He could always give a winning performance even in the smallest of roles like his brief turns in A League of Their Own or Orange County. He had a unique charm, and he brought it to everything he did.
Per CNN, “Marshall was born 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.”
Our deepest condolences go to Mr. Marshall’s family and friends.
