Garry Marshall, Legendary Writer-Director, Dies at 81

Hollywood, CA -- Garry Marshall, the creative force behind iconic films and television shows including, “Happy Days” and “Pretty Woman,” died Tuesday.

The 81-year-old writer and director died of complications from pneumonia following a stroke, his publicist confirmed to the Los Angeles Times.

Marshall, whose sister Penny Marshall starred in his hit series ''Laverne & Shirley," was born in the Bronx and seemed destined to a career in journalism, after a stint at the New York Daily News.

However, writing jokes turned out to be his true love. He began writing jokes for comedians and The Tonight Show. He segued into tv script writing and found major success with hits such as “Happy Days” “Laverne & Shirley," and “Mork and Mindy.”

News of Marshall's passing at a hospital in Burbank triggered an outpouring of tributes from the stars he worked with and the writers and comedians he inspired.

"Thank you for my professional life," Henry Winker, who starred as Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on "Happy Days," wrote on Twitter. "Thank you for your loyalty, friendship and generosity."

Marshall directed 18 films, including "Pretty Woman," "The Princess Diaries," "Beaches" and "The Flamingo Kid."

Marshall appeared in "A League of Their Own," directed by his sister Penny, and had a recurring role on the 1990s CBS comedy "Murphy Brown." He portrayed the father of Oscar Madison (Matthew Perry) in an episode of "The Odd Couple" which aired on April 28.

Richard Gere, who starred in "Pretty Woman" along with Julia Roberts, praised Marshall as "one of those truly important people one is blessed to meet in one's lifetime."

"Besides being the pulse and life force of 'Pretty Woman' ... a steady helmsman on a ship that could have easily capsized ... he was a super fine and decent man, husband and father who brought real joy and love and infectious good spirits to everything and everyone he crossed paths with," Gere said.

"Everyone loved Garry. He was a mentor and a cheerleader and one of the funniest men who ever lived. He had a heart of the purest gold and a soul full of mischief. He was Garry."

Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay called Marshall's death "deeply sad, for our industry and for our guild."

"Garry's gift for storytelling brought joy, laughter and an enormous, beating heart to every screen, large and small," Barclay said.

"When describing the type of stories he chose to tell, Garry once said, 'I try to find scripts of stories that kinda celebrate the human condition… let's talk about the tough world out there and the human spirit overcoming adversity. And that indefatigable optimism came through in everything he touched."

Marshall served on the guild's Western Directors Council from 2001 until his death and the National Board from 2007-2013.

"He channeled his love for the craft of directing into serving our guild -- dedicating himself to protecting the creative rights of directors, as well as teaching newer generations of directors how hard-fought the DGA's journey has been, and the importance of carrying it forward," Barclay said.

"All the while, he kept us all smiling – no mean feat. It was an honor, and a delight, for all of us who had the pleasure of serving alongside of him."

"I lost a friend & mentor. We lost a beautiful man & masterful storyteller," tweeted Ashton Kutcher. "Gary Marshall I love you. I hope I get to go where you are."

Marshall is survived by Barbara Sue Marshall, his wife of 53 years, his three children, Kathleen, Lori and Scott Marshall; his sisters Penny Marshall and Ronny Hallin; and his six grandchildren.

Private funeral services will be held.

I lost a friend & mentor. We lost a beautiful man & masterful story teller. Gary Marshall I love you. I hope I get to go where you are.
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) July" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/aplusk/sta... 20, 2016

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He was a talented man, a genuinely funny man , and nobody loved his family more. Gary Marshall #RIP #VayaConDios pic.twitter.com/FaDnIJrTCx
— George Lopez (@georgelopez) July" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/georgelope... 20, 2016

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City News Service contributed to this report. Photo: Wikimedia Commons