Garry Marshall, the genius behind television shows such as Happy Days and The Odd Couple, has passed away at the age of 81.
Suffering from complications of pneumonia following a stroke, Marshall passed away at a hospital in Burbank, California on Tuesday (July 19).
Born in the Bronx, Marshall started his venture into the entertainment business by writing for numerous television shows.The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Lucy Show, and The Tonight Show with Jack Parr are just a few he had his hand in writing. He is the brains behind the hit television show Happy Days which ran for an incredible 11 seasons.
Marshall is credited for some big screen hits as well, perhaps most notably Pretty Woman, starring actress Julia Roberts. Marshall helped propel actress Anne Hathaway to stardom when she starred in the Princess Diaries films, which he directed. Hathaway took to Instagram to share a black and white photo of the late director with the caption, “Heaven just got funnier. I love you, Garry. Thank you for everything.”
Funeral services are remaining private, however, a memorial service is reportedly being planned for his birthday November 13. Marshall is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his three children.
The world will not soon forget Garry Marshall. Those he worked with are calling him an icon and a mentor. His colleagues are taking the time since his passing to share with the world the kind of person Marshall was, and light he had within him.
CelebMix sends our deepest condolences to his family during this time.
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