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Penny Marshall, seen here in 2009, first gained fame and laughs playing the unrefined but lovable Laverne DeFazio in Laverne & Shirley, a situation comedy that ran on the ABC network from 1976 to 1983. (Phil McCarten/Reuters). Photo courtesy of CBC.
Actress and director Penny Marshall, who starred on the TV show Laverne and Shirley and directed A League of Their Own, has died at the age of 75,
Marshall’s publicist Michelle Bega said Tuesday that Marshall died of complications from diabetes at her home in Hollywood Hills, Calif.
Marshall starred alongside Cindy Williams in the hit TV sitcom Laverne and Shirley, which was created by her brother Garry Marshall and aired from 1976 to 1983.
She went on to direct and produce films like 1992’s A League of Their Own and 1988’s Big.
In a 1994 interview, Marshall said it was nice that some people felt she helped pave the way for other female directors.
Hollywood stars and public figures are paying tribute to Marshall on social media, including Rosie O’Donnell, who starred in A League of Their Own. O’Donnell wrote that she was “simply heartbroken.” She also shared a 1996 Kmart commercial that she and Marshall did together.
1996 Kmart TV Commercial with Penny Marshall and Rosie O'Donnell https://t.co/XHOgyrCBhs via @YouTube – simply heartbroken #ripPENNY
— ROSIE (@Rosie) December 18, 2018
Here’s what others are saying about Marshall:
Thank you, Penny Marshall. For the trails you blazed. The laughs you gave. The hearts you warmed. pic.twitter.com/7qPKJa6ApH
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) December 18, 2018
So sad about Penny.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) December 18, 2018
I loved Penny. I grew up with her. She was born with a great gift. She was born with a funnybone and the instinct of how to use it. I was very lucky to have lived with her and her funnybone. I will miss her.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) December 18, 2018
Oh Penny Marshall. ? Rest In Peace and thank you for everything.❤️
— Busy Philipps (@BusyPhilipps) December 18, 2018
A generation before the current crop of female directors Penny Marshall made such memorable films as ‘Big’, ‘A League of Their Own’ and ‘Awakenings’. Let her not be forgotten. #PennyMarshall #RestInPeace pic.twitter.com/1c1iT6V3eI
— Leonard Maltin (@leonardmaltin) December 18, 2018
The #HOF remembers actor/director Penny Marshall, who brought the @AAGPBL heroes to life through “A League of Their Own”. Marshall, who visited the Hall of Fame in 2002, passed away on Monday. Photo: Milo Stewart Jr. pic.twitter.com/XwOfBa21PA
— Baseball Hall ⚾ (@baseballhall) December 18, 2018
I grew up wanting to be as funny as Penny Marshall, and had the pleasure of meeting her a few times. Watch some old Laverne and Shirley to see why her brother Garry insisted on casting her. Comedy gold, she was. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/DhP10j7m8s
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) December 18, 2018
I was invited by Penny Marshall to her house one afternoon to talk about a film she was doing. She was so kind to me. She was so smart and funny. I will never forget that afternoon. My heart goes out to her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/JGE9kB7uAF
— Vincent D'Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) December 18, 2018
I got to stay up late-after Happy Days-2 watch Laverne & Shirley. So sad 2 learn that Penny Marshall has passed. Sitting on a sit-com set 40 years later, thinking about milk & pepsi, rodeo-doh-doh-doh & so many of her brilliant moments. Love to her family, friends & our town… pic.twitter.com/imFiGVSw3T
— Sean Astin (@SeanAstin) December 18, 2018
Condolences to the family of Penny Marshall. She was a true treasure! ? pic.twitter.com/BtM46dAnYq
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 18, 2018
.@TheSimpsons Penny Marshall our first guest star and a great talent. You will be missed! pic.twitter.com/uasxznXHIl
— Al Jean (@AlJean) December 18, 2018
With files from The Canadian Press and CBC
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