Garry Marshall (Getty)
Garry Marshall has died at the age of 81. Family members confirmed his death to Access Hollywood. CBS reported that Marshall died Tuesday in a Burbank hospital from complications of pneumonia after suffering a stroke.
Marshall is well-known for several roles throughout his life, which included directing dozens of famous films such as Pretty Woman. He also created Happy Days and produced some of the most popular shows in the 1970’s, including Mork and Mindy and The Odd Couple.
According to Biography.com, Marshall was born in New York City on November 13, 1934. He worked as a reporter after graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in journalism. After graduating, Marshall served in the Army for two years, where he was stationed in South Korea, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Before becoming a producer and director, Marshall began his career as a reporter for the New York Daily News.
Exclusive: Sources confirm Garry Marshall has passed away. #Developing
Marshall shared a home with his wife, Barbara, in Toluca Lake, California, since 1975.
In an interview with WebMd when he was 77-years-old, Marshall stated the following:
When you get to my age, you get whacked. Things happen with your health, but it has all worked out. My sister, Penny, and I — despite what the gossip says about her — we take care of ourselves. We just try to stay healthy and to be with happy people.
Marshall is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Sue Marshall, and also his three children, Lori, Kathleen and Scott. He is also survived by his sister, Penny Marshall, an actress who starred in Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley.
He is preceded in death by his mother, who ran a tap dance school, and his father, who was a producer and creator of industrial films.
According to an official statement, funeral services will be private and a memorial is being planned for Marshall’s birthday on November 13.