Director Garry Marshall has died at the age of 81.
On Tuesday night, a representative for the director and producer of some of the biggest television and movie hits confirmed that Marshall died of complications of pneumonia after suffering a stroke in the hospital in Burbank, California, according to Entertainment Weekly. (RELATED: The making of ‘Valentine’s Day’ is a real love story)
(Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images for TV Land)
Early in his career Marshall got his start in the entertainment industry as a writer in the 60’s on shows like “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “The Lucy Show.”
Later Marshall was responsible for creating television shows in the 70’s like “Happy Days,” “Mork and Mindy” and “The Odd Couple.”
The director is probably even better known for some of the most memorable romantic comedy movies of all time with hits like “Pretty Woman,” “Princess Diaries,” “Beaches,” “Overboard,” and “Runaway Bride.”
Once news spread of the industry icon’s death many performers took to Twitter to thank Marshall and say goodbye.
GARRY MARSHALL Rest In Peace .. Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty , friendship and generosity .
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) July 20, 2016
R.I.P. Garry Marshall. A great, great guy and the best casino boss in the history of film. #lostinamerica
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) July 20, 2016
We’d been ssh’d by important folks in the room & resorted to passing notes. I framed this napkin the next day #RIP pic.twitter.com/8tL2wbLCc5
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) July 20, 2016
I lost a friend & mentor. We lost a beautiful man & masterful story teller. Gary Marshall I love you. I hope I get to go where you are.
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) July 20, 2016
I am so fortunate to have spent a small amount time with the man who created 50% of the shows I grew up watching. #RIPGarryMarshall
— Dave Foley (@DaveSFoley) July 20, 2016
Garry Marshall hired me at 15 years old. He gave my wife her start at 18, as a makeup artist. He changed our lives. And MANY others. #love
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) July 20, 2016
Garry Marshall, I am forever indebted to you. Thank you for taking a chance on me. I love you. On the wings on Angels, rest now.
— Sarah Paulson (@MsSarahPaulson) July 20, 2016