TV classic 'Laverne & Shirley’ actress Penny Marshall dies at 75

The world will be a sadder place with the passing of comedy genius, Penny Marshall.

Hollywood is reeling with the shocking news of the death of the beloved actress, director, and comedienne Penny Marshall.

Marshall, 75, died on the evening of December 17, 2018, in her home in Hollywood due to diabetes complications, reported TMZ.

I loved Penny. I grew up with her. She was born with a great gift. She was born with a funnybone and the instinct of how to use it. I was very lucky to have lived with her and her funnybone. I will miss her.

Rob Reiner

SAYING GOODBYE TO "LAVERNE"

Comedy fans will know Penny Marshall's work as an actress in the hit sitcom "Laverne & Shirley." The series was a spin-off from "Happy Days" and ran from 1976–1983.

Marshall played LaVerne DeFazio opposite Cindy Williams who played Shirley Feeney. The series became one of the most popular sitcoms of the decade, and made the two actresses stars.

One of Penny Marshall's closest friends was the sorely missed Carrie Fisher, who passed away on December 27, 2016.

MARSHALL'S BRILLIANT DIRECTING CAREER

In 1986 Marshall made her directorial debut with the Whoopi Goldberg movie, "Jumping Jack Flash", and went on to direct Tom Hanks in "Big" in 1988.

Marshall was the first woman director to gross more than $100 million at the U.S. box office. Marshall also directed "A League of Their Own," and "Awakenings" starring Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro.

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PART OF A TALENTED FAMILY

Marshall got her break into show business with her brother the director Garry Marshall in "The Odd Couple," and she would go on to direct her own daughter, Tracy Reiner, in "A League of Their Own."

One of Penny Marshall's closest friends was the sorely missed Carrie Fisher, who passed away on December 27, 2016.

Condolences and tributes from Marshall's colleagues and admirers are flooding social media, and her family has announced that it will be organizing a memorial to honor the actress/ director.

R.I.P. Laverne, and keep smiling.

In a related story, the late actress and icon, Carrie Fisher, could have celebrated her 62nd birthday.