Penny Marshall, who starred as Laverne in the 70s sitcom Laverne & Shirley, has died at age 75 following a battle with diabetes.
Penny died at her home in the Hollywood Hills on Monday night. “Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall,” the Marshall family said in a statement.
‘Laverne & Shirley’ was the spin-off from ‘Happy Days’, the show created by her brother Garry Marshall.
After the show ended Penny became a director and had an instant hit with her first movie in 1986 ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’, starring Whoopi Goldberg.
The second film ‘Big’, starring Tom Hanks, was the first movie directed by a woman to gross more than $100 million.
Penny’s directing talent exceeded her acting success. She made ‘A League of Their Own’, with Madonna; ‘The Preacher’s Wife’, wife Whitney Houston and the 2005 remake of ‘Bewitched’, starring Nicole Kidman.
Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its greatest lights.
Ron Howard
She was funny & so smart. She made the transition from sitcom star to A List movie director with ease & had a major impact on both mediums. All that & always relaxed, funny & totally unpretentious. I was lucky to have known & worked with her.
#RIPPennyMarshall She was funny & so smart. She made the transition from sitcom star to A List movie director with ease & had a major impact on both mediums. All that & always relaxed, funny & totally unpretentious. I was lucky to have known & worked with her. https://t.co/pf2kfIkCH4
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) December 18, 2018
Jason Alexander
Penny Marshall had me audition 6 times for a role and then I didn’t get it. She didn’t know that I would audition for her forever. It was a treat to be in the room. She was glorious.
Penny Marshall had me audition 6 times for a role and then I didn’t get it. She didn’t know that I would audition for her forever. It was a treat to be in the room. She was glorious. #RIPPennyMarshall
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) December 18, 2018
Bette Midler
The Marshall family grieves again as the great #PennyMarshall dies at age 75. What an extraordinary family they were and continue to be, and how much love and sympathy my family and I send their way. The end of an era.
The Marshall family grieves again as the great #PennyMarshall dies at age 75. What an extraordinary family they were and continue to be, and how much love and sympathy my family and I send their way. The end of an era.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) December 18, 2018
James L. Brooks
God Bless Penny Marshall’s extraordinary soul.
Beyond doubt she was able to excel at anything she put her world class mind & heart to and, lucky us, she picked comedy and films which celebrated humans. To many of us lost ones she was, at the time, the world’s greatest den mother.
God Bless Penny Marshall's extraordinary soul.
Beyond doubt she was able to excel at anything she put her world class mind & heart to and, lucky us, she picked comedy and films which celebrated humans. To many of us lost ones she was, at the time, the world's greatest den mother.— james l. brooks (@canyonjim) December 18, 2018
William Shatner
Condolences to the family of Penny Marshall. She was a true treasure!
Condolences to the family of Penny Marshall. She was a true treasure! ? pic.twitter.com/BtM46dAnYq
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 18, 2018
Russell Crowe
Yesterday I held a Golden Gloves award from the 1930’s, given to me by Penny Marshall. Hadn’t seen it in years. Then today’s news… Penny told me the story of Jim Braddock, which became the movie Cinderella Man. She was kind, she was crazy,so talented and she loved movies. RIP
Yesterday I held a Golden Gloves award from the 1930’s, given to me by Penny Marshall.
Hadn’t seen it in years.
Then today’s news…
Penny told me the story of Jim Braddock, which became the movie Cinderella Man. She was kind, she was crazy,so talented and she loved movies. RIP— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 18, 2018
Kathy Griffin
Penny Marshall was a loyal friend, a pioneer for women in film, and true supporter of women in the industry. Rest In Peace my friend.
Penny Marshall was a loyal friend, a pioneer for women in film, and true supporter of women in the industry. Rest In Peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/UL2yAgbNUr
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) December 18, 2018
George Takei
Penny Marshall brought us great laughter and truly broke new ground as a director. Neither a schlemiel, nor ever a schlimazel, she shall be missed by her many fans. Rest in peace.
Penny Marshall brought us great laughter and truly broke new ground as a director. Neither a schlemiel, nor ever a schlimazel, she shall be missed by her many fans. Rest in peace.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 18, 2018
Maureen McCormick
Rest In Peace Penny Marshall. Thank you so much for all the joy and laughter that you brought into this world. Your comedic talent and gift for directing have forever inspired me. With love and forever appreciation.
Rest In Peace Penny Marshall.
Thank you so much for all the joy and laughter that you brought into this world. Your comedic talent and gift for directing have forever inspired me. With love and forever appreciation. ❤️— Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) December 18, 2018
Virginia Trioli
A big “L” over my broken heart this morning to remember the late Penny Marshall: a brilliant comedian, writer and director with an impeccable eye for comedy stars and a Bronx bray for the ages.
A big “L” over my broken heart this morning to remember the late Penny Marshall: a brilliant comedian, writer and director with an impeccable eye for comedy stars and a Bronx bray for the ages. #PennyMarshall pic.twitter.com/A0C4PUyqtc
— Virginia Trioli (@LaTrioli) December 18, 2018
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