Garry Marshall Dies at 81

Director Garry Marshall passed away Tuesday at the age of 81 from complications from pneumonia after a stroke at a hospital in Burbank, California.

Marshall is well-known for his work on many classic sitcoms. He developed The Odd Couple play into a TV show, wrote for The Dick Van Dyke Show, and created Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and Mork & Mindy.

In addition, he is notable for his work in the film industry. He directed 1990’s Pretty Woman, which helped propel Julia Roberts into stardom, as well as 1999’s Runaway Bride, 2001’s The Princess Diaries, and 2004’s The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. More recently, he helmed a few films starring an ensemble cast, including 2011’s New Year’s Eve, 2010’s Valentine’s Day, and 2016’s Mother’s Day.

Marshall also did some acting in his career, having appeared on episodes of Murphy Brown, Hot in Cleveland, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, A League of Her Own, the recent reboot of The Odd Couple, and more.

Marshall is survived by his his wife, Barbara Sue Marshall, three children, and six grandchildren.

Watch BackstageOL’s Dave Morales interview with Marshall from earlier this year about his film Mother’s Day below: