Garry Marshall, an American film writer, actor, producer and director best known for the hit TV series "Happy Days," "Laverne & Shirley" (starring his sister, Penny Marshall) and "Mork & Mindy" (starring a very young Robin Williams), not to mention top-grossing Hollywood movies like "Pretty Woman," "The Princess Diaries" and "Valentine's Day," has died in Burbank, California at the age of 81.
Marshall's publicist said the comedy legend died Tuesday of complications from pneumonia following a stroke. Friends and celebrities who had worked with him over his long career took to Twitter to express their love and gratitude:
Larger than life, funnier than most , wise and the definition of friend https://t.co/k8qxEe4rIZ
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) July 20, 2016
RIP Garry Marshall, the loveliest hostage a gal could ask for. Mastered so many mediums & was vital to the end ❤️ pic.twitter.com/e5epZLnrJX
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) 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 gave me one of the best experiences I ever had in my career. Thanks pal. RIP
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) 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
Marshall is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their three children, Lori, Kathleen and Scott.