‘Laverne & Shirley’ Star Penny Marshall Dead At 75
Penny Marshall, who starred in ‘Laverne & Shirley’ and directed classics like ‘Big’ and ‘A League of Their Own,’ has died.
By Marilyn Nelson on December 18, 2018
Actress and director Penny Marshall, known for her role as Laverne on the Laverne & Shirley TV show in the 1970s has died. TMZ reports that Marshall died Monday night due to complications from diabetes.
Marshall made a name for herself on Laverne and Shirley, which ran for eight seasons. She also directed hit movies such as Big and A League of Their Own.
Marshall’s family said, “Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall. Penny was a tomboy who loved sports, doing puzzles of any kind, drinking milk and Pepsi together and being with her family.”
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Marshall began her career by playing bit parts before featuring on The Odd Couple as Oscar Madison’s secretary. Her brother, Garry Marshall, was an executive producer on the show. He was also the creator of Happy Days and co-created Laverne & Shirley.
Marshall was married to UMN football player Michael Henry. They had a daughter, her only child, Tracy in 1964, according to the Los Angeles Times. While staring in Laverne & Shirley, Marshall was married to Rob Reiner. The two later divorced.
Marshall is survived by her sister, Ronny, daughter, Tracy Reiner, and three grandchildren, Spencer, Bella, and Viva. Plans for a memorial service have not yet been made.
