Legendary rom-com director and “Happy Days” creator Garry Marshall has died, sources
told Access Hollywood on Tuesday night. He was 81.
Marshall's sister, Penny Marshall,
confirmed his death to CBS News.
No other details were immediately available on Marshall's passing and reps for the director did not immediately return the News’ request for comment.
Marshall’s lengthy career saw him wear many hats in the industry, serving as creator, director, executive producer and actor in various works.
He directed countless hits like "Valentine's Day" and spin-off "New Year's Eve, as well as "Princess Diaries" and its sequel. Marshall helped launch actress Julia Roberts to superstardom with his first blockbuster “Pretty Woman” and later film “Runaway Bride."
The inventive Bronx native also created the 1970s sitcoms "Mork and Mindy,” "The Odd Couple" and “Laverne and Shirley,” which starred his sister, Penny Marshall.
The prolific icon kicked off his career as a writer on “The Tonight Show” with Jack Parr in the late '50s. He went on to work with comedy greats on shows like “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “The Lucy Show.”
He earned five Emmy nominations and was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Science's Hall of Fame in 1997.
He once told the Los Angeles Times that he "didn't know what the heck I was."
"I was a journalist. I was a drummer. I was everything," he added.
The octogenarian kept busy in his late years. His 18th directed movie, "Mother's Day," came out in April and reunited him with Roberts.
Marshall is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their three children.
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