Celebrity News July 19, 2016
'Happy Days' Creator, 'Pretty Woman' Director Garry Marshall Dead at 81 — Stars React
Getty Images
Garry Marshall, whose extensive TV and movie career included creating the classic sitcoms "Happy Days" and "Laverne & Shirley" in the '70s and directing the movie that made Julia Roberts a star, "Pretty Woman," has died at 81.
Marshall, the older brother of actress and director Penny Marshall, died of complications from pneumonia following a stroke, Variety reports.
The writer-director-producer had a knack for the popular, making Neil Simon's Broadway hit "The Odd Couple" into a smash on television with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman, virtually creating the '50s craze in the '70s via "Happy Days," and helping to launch the careers of such notables as Robin Williams (in the "Happy Days" spin-off "Mork & Mindy") and Anne Hathaway (in "The Princess Diaries").
In recent years, Marshall found success helming a trio of holiday-themed films: "Valentine's Day," "New Year's Eve," and this year's "Mother's Day."
Along with his many behind-the-camera duties, Marshall was a frequent actor, popping up in everything from the James Bond classic "Goldfinger" to his sister's "A League of Their Own" to the TV series "Hot in Cleveland."
Marshall was active until the end of his life, presenting John Stamos with the Timeless Icon honor at this year's TV Land Awards in April and engaging in promotional activities for "Mother's Day" through the spring. According to People magazine, he completed a rewrite on the book of a "Pretty Woman" musical that is headed to Broadway.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, three children, and two sisters, including Penny.
Richard Gere remembered Marshall as "being the pulse and life force of 'Pretty Woman,' a steady helmsman on a ship that could have easily capsized... a super fine and decent man, husband and father who brought real joy and infectious good spirits to everything and everyone he crossed paths with. Everyone loved Garry."
Read how other stars are remembering the entertainment giant on social media:
