Not very many people can boast credits like the legendary Garry Kent Marshall, who passed away yesterday at the age of 81. Happy Days, The Odd Couple, Pretty Woman, and Runaway Bride will all stand the test of time carrying over from generation to generation.
Marshall was an actor, director, producer, writer, voice artist, and comedian born in The Bronx on November 13th, 1934. He began his career as a joke writer for comedians which eventually lead to gig writing for The Tonight Show with Jack Paar. Then it was a move to Los Angeles and partnership with Jerry Belson, also a writer, that sent him on his way to a life long career in the industry. They worked on shows together such as The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Lucy Show. They adopted Neil Simon’s play The Odd Couple for television which has recently been reborn and airs on television today.
Next up for Garry Marshall were a few projects that he created himself, one of which he paired up with his sister for – Penny Marshall. Happy Days, Mork & Mindy, and Laverne and Shirley where Penny starred as Laverne. In the 80’s, Marshall made the move to directing feature films. His first was Young Doctors in Love where he first collaborated with lifelong working partner Hector Elizondo. Other film credits include Beaches, Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries, Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve.
Despite writing, producing, and directing, Garry Marshall still found time to also be an actor. His television debut took place on The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show where he had a recurring role as a child. His other acting credits include Murphy Brown, Soapdish, On the Lot, and The Simpsons.
Marshall won a lot of accolades over his long storied career and deservingly so. He was awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award in recognition of excellence and innovation in creative works that have enhanced the perception of women through the medium of television. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame as well as the National Association of Broadcasters’ Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Marshall received the Valentine Davies Award and Laurel Award for TV Writing Achievement from the Writers Guild of America. Marshall also has a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
His final work can be both seen and heard. He appeared on the remake of his creation The Odd Couple and his voice can be heard on the Netflix series BoJack Horseman.
