Happy Days creator, film director Garry Marshall dies at 81

Passing away at a Burbank hospital earlier today, film and television legend Garry Marshall died due to complications that rose from pneumonia after experiencing a stroke. Most well known for creating the popular television series Happy Days, Marshall co-created and wrote other popular 1970’s comedies such as Mork & Mindy and Laverne & Shirley. 

In addition to his many television credits, Marshall directed a number of feature films such as Pretty Woman, Beaches, Overboard, Runaway Bride, Mother’s Day as well as both Princess Diaries films. Marshall also appeared as an actor in several movies such as A League of Their Own, Orange County, Hocus Pocus and Never Been Kissed.

He is survived by his sister Penny Marshall (one of the leads in Laverne & Shirley) as well as his wife of 53 years, Barbara Sue Marshall. Over his career, he won a Lifetime Achievement Award in Television, the Publicists Guild’s Showmanship Award and received four Emmy nominations for his work on television.

Multiple celebrities have posted on social media to mourn Marshall’s passing,

GARRY MARSHALL Rest In Peace .. Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty , friendship and generosity .

— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) July 20, 2016

RIP Garry Marshall. You forever changed my father’s life, and thus, mine. Thank you for capturing so much joy on film, over and over.

— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) 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

So sad to hear the news about Garry Marshall. He was a kind and generous man who gave everything to his family and his work. A real loss…

— Fred Savage (@thefredsavage) 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

Garry Marshall, I am forever indebted to you. Thank you for taking a chance on me. I love you. On the wings on Angels, rest now.

— Sarah Paulson (@MsSarahPaulson) July 20, 2016