Garry Marshall, ‘Pretty Woman’ Director and Creator of ‘Happy Days,’ Dies at 81

[Steve Williams]

Directed some of my favorite movies and television series.....

Carmel Dagan, Variety

Garry Marshall, who created some of the 1970s’ most iconic sitcoms including “Happy Days,” “The Odd Couple,” “Laverne and Shirley” and “Mork and Mindy” and went on to direct hit movies including “Pretty Woman” and “The Princess Diaries,” died Tuesday in Burbank, Calif. of complications from pneumonia following a stroke. He was 81.


Marshall went from being a TV writer to creating sitcoms that touched the funny bones of the 1970s generation and directing films that were watched over and over: “Happy Days” helped start a nostalgia craze that has arguably never abated, while “Mork and Mindy” had a psychedelically goofy quality that catapulted Robin Williams to fame and made rainbow suspenders an icon of their era. “Pretty Woman” likewise cemented Julia Roberts’ stardom, while “The Princess Diaries” made Anne Hathaway a teen favorite.

“Happy Days” star Henry Winkler credited him for launching his career, tweeting “Thank you for my professional life.”

 

[LL21]

Very sad, but he leaves a true legacy of good humor, light hearted comedies and romantic comedies with well-told stories and memorable lines and scenes.

 

[Steve Williams]

Pretty Woman and Happy Days rank high upon my list

 

[JackD201]

I only learned recently after Robin WIlliam's death that Mork and Mindy was actually a Happy Days spin off.

 

[astrotoy]

Marshall's sister Penny starred in Laverne and Shirley, an early Happy Day's spinoff and later also became a fine director. Of course, in addition to Henry Winkler, Ron Howard from Happy Days became one of the most well known directors, so Gary Marshall has had quite a legacy of actors turned directors. A big loss.

Larry