Celebrities Are Mourning the Loss of Director Penny Marshall
Beloved film director and comedy actress Penny Marshall passed away on Monday at 75, the AP reports.
Marshall — whose legacy included her iconic role as Laverne DeFazio in hit sitcom Laverne & Shirley, as well as her turns directing actors including Tom Hanks, Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams — is now being remembered by her peers and Hollywood friends in the wake of her passing.
Stars like Tom Hanks, Billy Crystal, Danny DeVito and Russell Crowe are sharing their fond memories of Marshall this week, while fellow women in showbusiness like Ava DuVernay and Kathy Griffin are recalling the important role Marshall played in advancing opportunities for women both as comic figures and directors. “Thank you, Penny Marshall. For the trails you blazed. The laughs you gave. The hearts you warmed,” DuVernay noted. “I grew up wanting to be as funny as Penny Marshall,” recalled Big Bang Theory actress Mayim Bialik. “Comedy gold, she was.”
Born in the Bronx, Marshall directed her first feature film in 1986 with Jumpin’ Jack Flash. With her 1988 comedy Big, Marshall led Hanks to receive an Oscar nomination for his role. And with 1992’s A League of Their Own, also starring Hanks and Geena Davis, she released one of the most enduring, cult-favorite baseball films of the generation. More recently, Marshall had directed a few episodes of the TV show United States of Tara in 2011. According to her IMDB page, she was also working on a long-gestating documentary about basketball star Dennis Rodman.
Goodbye, Penny. Man, did we laugh a lot! Wish we still could. Love you. Hanx.
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) December 18, 2018
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
“I’m terribly sad to hear the news about Penny passing. My heart goes out to Tracy Reiner and her family. Penny brought so much joy to so many and will be sorely missed. I will be forever grateful to her for letting me be a part of A League of Their Own.” Geena Davis
— GeenaDavisInstitute (@GDIGM) December 18, 2018
Sad to hear of Penny Marshall’s passing. a great comedienne a terrific director and a dear friend.
— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) December 18, 2018
I grew up wanting to be as funny as Penny Marshall, and had the pleasure of meeting her a few times. Watch some old Laverne and Shirley to see why her brother Garry insisted on casting her. Comedy gold, she was. ?? pic.twitter.com/DhP10j7m8s
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) December 18, 2018
Mourning the loss of a funny, poignant, and original American voice. Penny Marshall was a pioneer in television and the big screen who understood humor comes in many forms and some of life's deeper truths require a laugh. She will be missed. May she RIP.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) December 18, 2018
Penny Marshall was a sweet woman. I was very fortunate to spend time with her. So many laughs. She had a heart of gold. Tough as nails. She could play round ball with the best of them. Always All love, D
— Danny DeVito (@DannyDeVito) December 18, 2018
Yesterday I held a Golden Gloves award from the 1930’s, given to me by Penny Marshall.
Hadn’t seen it in years.
Then today’s news...
Penny told me the story of Jim Braddock, which became the movie Cinderella Man. She was kind, she was crazy,so talented and she loved movies. RIP— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 18, 2018
Penny Marshall brought us great laughter and truly broke new ground as a director. Neither a schlemiel, nor ever a schlimazel, she shall be missed by her many fans. Rest in peace.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 18, 2018
Condolences to the family of Penny Marshall. She was a true treasure! ???? pic.twitter.com/BtM46dAnYq
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 18, 2018
Penny Marshall was a loyal friend, a pioneer for women in film, and true supporter of women in the industry. Rest In Peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/UL2yAgbNUr
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) December 18, 2018
.@TheSimpsons Penny Marshall our first guest star and a great talent. You will be missed! pic.twitter.com/uasxznXHIl
— Al Jean (@AlJean) December 18, 2018
Among other things, Penny Marshall knew how to title a memoir. RIP. pic.twitter.com/C9cmypFCA9
— Pamela Paul (@PamelaPaulNYT) December 18, 2018
I always loved this picture because it was my way of emulating the great Penny Marshall. I’m sad to read she has passed. Director, producer and actress who had the humor, wit and fortitude to stand equally with the boys in Hollywood. Goodbye Penny, we will miss you. RIP pic.twitter.com/gqa9w3TEOh
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) December 18, 2018
Had the chance to meet and sit at plenty of Laker games with ms penny marshall during my childhood years. Great woman with a great soul! RIP pic.twitter.com/6ca7TkgDBo
— Bow Wow (@smoss) December 18, 2018