Garry Marshall, legendary TV and film director and writer known for shows such as “Mork and Mindy,” “Happy Days,” “Laverne & Shirley,” as well as films including, “Pretty Woman,” “The Princess Diaries,” “Beaches” and “Runaway Bride,” died Tuesday in Burbank at the age of 81, his representatives confirmed.
Marshall died at 5 p.m. from complications of pneumonia following a stroke, according to a statement released by his publicist Michelle Bega.
The New York native, born Garry Kent Maschiarelli, directed, produced and starred in films and TV shows beginning in 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.
He just finished a rewrite for a Broadway-bound musical version of “Pretty Woman,” Bega said.
In 1970, Marshall created a television adaptation of Neil Simon’s play “The Odd Couple” for ABC. The successful sit-com drew several Emmy nominations over the course of its five seasons. Television hits followed soon after. “Happy Days” became the number one rated television show in 1977 and launched an American cultural icon: the Fonz.
After “Happy Days,” Marshall created spin-off shows “Laverne & Shirley,” starring his sister Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams, and “Mork & Mindy,” which jump started Robin Williams’ extensive career.
“He loved telling stories, making people laugh and playing softball,” Bega stated.
Funeral services for Marshall will be private, but a memorial was being planned for his birthday on November 13, according to the statement.
Instead of flowers, the family was requesting donations be made in Garry Marshall’s name to The Saban Community Clinic, formerly known as the Los Angeles Free Clinic, The Intensive Care Unit at Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Burbank and the Northwestern University Undergraduate Scholarship Fund.
Several stars posted tributes to the famed director and producer on social media, thanking him for his many contributions to their craft.