Remembering a Hollywood legend Penny Marshall who passed away at 75
Comedy has lost one of its greatest talents, the brilliant director and comedienne, Penny Marshall.
Penny Marshall passed away on the evening of December 17, 2018, in her Hollywood home. The director succumbed to complications of diabetes, and the news of her demise has shaken the movie community.
As Marshall's admirers, we are remembering this extraordinary woman, her life and her legacy.
Thank you, Penny Marshall. For the trails you blazed. The laughs you gave. The hearts you warmed. pic.twitter.com/7qPKJa6ApH
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) December 18, 2018
A FEROCIOUS TALENT AND A LOVE OF COMEDY
Fans of comedy will remember Marshall's hilarious performances as Laverne in the 70s comedy "Laverne & Shirley," a spin-off of the iconic "Happy Days."
It was the series that would reveal Marshall's incredible comedic talent to the world, and open the doors for the next step in her career: Directing.
'Schlemiel': an unlucky bungler
— Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) December 18, 2018
'Schlimazel': a consistently unlucky person
♥️ pic.twitter.com/psGD8dtVyq
Penny Marshall's true legacy was the gift of laughter, and her achievements in film are a lasting monument to her colossal talent.
So long to Penny Marshall, our first guest star. The Babysitter Bandit in Some Enchanted Evening (7G01). Great comedic actor and director. RIP pic.twitter.com/d43fyN5O68
— David Silverman (@tubatron) December 18, 2018
HER SUCCESS HID HER PERSONAL PAIN
Though Marshall's career and her directorial triumphs were common knowledge, few knew that the woman who quickly became one of Hollywood's most successful directors had had a harsh life, and had struggled with insecurity and drug addiction.
I was invited by Penny Marshall to her house one afternoon to talk about a film she was doing. She was so kind to me. She was so smart and funny. I will never forget that afternoon. My heart goes out to her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/JGE9kB7uAF
— Vincent D'Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) December 18, 2018
PENNY MARSHALL'S BIOGRAPHY WAS A REVELATION
In 2012, Marshall published her autobiography, "My Mother Was Nuts". In her book, Marshall opened up about her problems, her relationships and her dark days.
RIP Penny Marshall, one of my favorites. pic.twitter.com/NirlmVUbEl
— Emily Nussbaum (@emilynussbaum) December 18, 2018
MARSHALL'S BATTLE WITH CANCER
One of the most startling revelations in the book was that Marshall had had a shotgun wedding. She had fallen pregnant in college and was a mother at 19.
Marshall opened up about her battle with lung and brain cancer in 2009, her remission and recovery. More painful was her recovery from alcohol and drug abuse, a struggle she shared with her best friend, Carrie Fisher.
Read more on Twitter Amomama USA.
Marshall was Fisher's daughter's godmother and the two women, who shared an October birthday, often had joint birthday parties. Marshall is survived by her daughter, actress Tracy Reiner, 54, and five grandchildren.
Penny Marshall's true legacy was the gift of laughter, and her achievements in film are a lasting monument to her colossal talent. She will be sorely missed.
In a related story, Hollywood actress and director Penny Marshall passed away at 75.
