Penny Marshall, the actress and director best known for "Laverne and Shirley," "A League of Their Own" and "Big," has died, her publicist confirmed to the New York Daily News. She was 75.
"Yes she did (die) … peacefully at her Hollywood Hills home," publicist Michelle Bega said. "She passed away from complications from diabetes."
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"Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall," the Marshall family said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.
Marshall rose to fame as Laverne DeFazio in the ABC sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” which aired from 1976 to 1983. She also directed four episodes of the sitcom from 1979 to 1981, later making her theatrical directorial director in 1986’s “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” Although the film wasn’t successful, the next one, “Big,” made history. The 1988 Tom Hanks movie grossed more than $100 million -- the first for a female director.
Marshall went on to direct “A League of Their Own” in 1992 and “The Preacher's Wife” in 1996.
Tributes and remembrances poured in on Twitter soon after the news broke:
Goodbye, Penny. Man, did we laugh a lot! Wish we still could. Love you. Hanx.
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) December 18, 2018
So Lucky to have known you and worked with you Penny Marshall!! ♥️ Your Talent was as BIG as your Heart! ♥️ and you were aTrailblazer For Women In Hollywood! 🙏🏼 GOD BLESS you and your family! #pennymarshall #leagueofthierown pic.twitter.com/2HWs19UM8C
— Madonna (@Madonna) December 19, 2018
1996 Kmart TV Commercial with Penny Marshall and Rosie O'Donnell https://t.co/XHOgyrCBhs via @YouTube - simply heartbroken #ripPENNY
— ROSIE (@Rosie) 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
The #HOF remembers actor/director Penny Marshall, who brought the @AAGPBL heroes to life through “A League of Their Own”. Marshall, who visited the Hall of Fame in 2002, passed away on Monday. Photo: Milo Stewart Jr. pic.twitter.com/XwOfBa21PA
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) December 18, 2018
I am absolutely devastated. #PennyMarshall was one of my dearest friends. I loved her. Funny, warm, a true individual and remarkable talent. #RidingInCarsWithBoys
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) December 18, 2018
So sad about Penny.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) December 18, 2018
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 (@robreiner) 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
Yesterday I held a Golden Gloves award from the 1930’s, given to me by Penny Marshall.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 18, 2018
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
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
I just heard of Penny Marshall's passing. I was such and admirer of hers, such talent she had. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and fans. She and her wonderful brother are reunited. -Barbara
— Barbara Eden (@Barbara_Eden) December 18, 2018
“Big.” “A League of Their Own.” “Awakenings.” Today, we say goodbye to one of the greats. Penny Marshall, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/AURlD8EG32
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) 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
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
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
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
We join the baseball community in mourning the passing of Penny Marshall, director of "A League of Their Own." pic.twitter.com/RITPLo5xN7
— MLB (@MLB) December 18, 2018
#RIPPennyMarshall She was funny & so smart. She made the transition from sitcom star to A List movie director with ease & had a major impact on both mediums. All that & always relaxed, funny & totally unpretentious. I was lucky to have known & worked with her. https://t.co/pf2kfIkCH4
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) December 18, 2018
Actor, director and Bronx icon Penny Marshall was truly in a league of her own. From TV star to first woman to direct a $100m movie, she never heard the word impossible and did it her way. On behalf of the NY family, deepest condolences to her loved ones.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) 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
RIP Penny Marshall!! Thank you for what you contributed to us girls. Grateful to have worked with you. Rest well you great Broad!!!❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/4hk6AGjmB1
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) December 18, 2018
RIP Penny Marshall. A woman who brought us all so much laughter
— Martin Lawrence (@realmartymar) December 18, 2018
What an inspiring woman #PennyMarshall was. Funny, talented, kind and giving. Penny was so supportive of my career from the very beginning and I will always be so grateful. A wonderful actress, producer and director. She will be missed by so many. #RIPPennyMarshall pic.twitter.com/yCBQAXngz4
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) December 18, 2018
My dearest friend Penny Marshall you have given us such love joy and laughter thru your entire life. My love goes with you. I will forever remember you... SO SAY WE ALL!!!!
— Edward James Olmos (@edwardjolmos) December 18, 2018
PHOTOS: Noteable deaths of 2018
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