Penny Marshall's 'Laverne & Shirley' co-star Cindy Williams calls her death 'an extraordinary loss' — and other celebrity tributes

Tributes are pouring in for Penny Marshall following news of the death of the actress and director.

Penny Marshall at the premiere of <em>New Year’s Eve</em> in December 2011. (Photo: Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images)
Penny Marshall at the premiere of New Year’s Eve in December 2011. (Photo: Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images)

The Laverne & Shirley star died “peacefully at her Hollywood Hills home” Monday from complications of diabetes. The trailblazer, who had gone on to direct films such as Big and A League of Their Own, was 75.

Cindy Williams, who was Shirley to Marshall’s Laverne, released a statement, saying, “What an extraordinary loss. My good friend Penny Marshall is gone. One in a million. Utterly unique. A truly great talent. And, oh, what fun we had together. Can’t describe how I will miss her.”

A League of Their Own star Rosie O’Donnell is “heartbroken” about Marshall’s death.

And O’Donnell’s co-star Geena Davis tweeted that she is “forever grateful” to have been a part of the film.

Marshall’s Happy Days co-star Ron Howard also remembered her:

Many others from the TV and film community paid tribute to Marshall and her legacy.

Merriam-Webster paid homage with a throwback to the Laverne & Shirley opening.

Laverne & Shirley star Michael McKean was speechless at the news.

James L. Brooks, Marshall’s frequent collaborator, called her “extraordinary.”

Robert De Niro, who starred in Marshall’s film Awakenings, said, “Penny will be missed. May she Rest in Peace.”

This story was originally posted on Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. ET.

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