Hollywood has lost an icon and a member of the director’s royal family this week with the passing of legendary director Gary Marshall. Gary died this week at the age of 81.
Gary Kent Marshall was born in the Bronx in 1934, and began his career as a joke writer for the day’s most revered comedians like Joey Bishop and Phil Foster, eventually becoming a writer on the Tonight Show for Jack Parr. Moving to Hollywood in the 50s, he signed on as a writer for the Lucy Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Joey Bishop Show and more. He created Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley and Mork and Mindy.
Gary’s greatest success came as a director, producing New Year’s Eve, Mother’s Day, The Princess Diaries, Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, Valentine’s Day, and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.
Yes, he was the brother of actress and director Penny Marshall, often making cameo appearances in films she directed, while giving her minor roles in her early career. Who could forget his role in the films ‘A League of Their Own’ and Never Been Kissed?
There may never be another Gary Marshall, but we’re indebted to his talents and vision, bringing so many wonderful films to our neighborhood movie house. Gary Marshall, actor, writer, director and producer leaves behind a wife of many years and three grown children.
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