Today is a sad day in Hollywood. Famed director, writer and actor Garry Marshall has passed away at age 81.
Marshall is credited with launching the careers of Julia Roberts and Anne Hathaway. In addition to directing iconic movies like Pretty Woman and The Princess Diaries, Marshall also created the feel-good sitcoms Happy Days and The Odd Couple, among others.
Marshall passed away shortly after 5 p.m. in Burbank, California from complications of pneumonia after suffering a stroke. When the heartbreaking news was released, stars began to pay tribute to the famed director.
Among the first stars to speak out was Henry Winkler, who played “the Fonz” during Happy Days’ 10 year run. In his heartwarming message, the actor credits Marshall for his career.
GARRY MARSHALL Rest In Peace .. Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty , friendship and generosity .
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) July 20, 2016
Perhaps the most emotionally devastating statement came from Julie Andrews, who starred in The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. In an interview with E! News, she said, “I am devastated to hear of Garry’s passing. He was a dear friend and colleague….generous to a fault. My heart goes out to Barbara and the entire family. We shall miss him.”
Héctor Elizondo, who starred in 17 of Marshall’s films, also chimed in. “He was a kind man, an elegant man, and a loyal, loyal man. He just elevated the atmosphere he was in. He mentored so many people. He loved seeing character in people. He used to say, ‘Everybody has talent, Hector! Everybody has talent but it’s the character that makes the difference,'” he said.
Richard Gere, star of Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride, released a gut-wrenching statement about Marshall’s character. He said: “Garry of course was one of those truly important people one is blessed to meet in one’s lifetime. Besides being the pulse and life force of Pretty Woman… a steady helmsman on a ship that could have easily capsized… he was a super fine and decent man, husband and father who brought real joy and love and infectious good spirits to every thing and everyone he crossed paths with. Everyone loved Garry. He was a mentor and a cheerleader and one of the funniest men who ever lived. He had a heart of the purest gold and a soul full of mischief. He was Garry.”
A slew of other stars took to Instagram to share their memories of Marshall.
Goldie Hawn shared this photo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIE4rbBgPUL/
Jessica Alba spoke about working with the famed director.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIEdfQpBYoY/
Even Glee’s Lea Michelle chimed in.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIEbAI4h0Ly/
Melissa Joan Hart, who first met Marshall during Sabrina The Teenage Witch, shared a very touching note about working with Marshall.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIE_iAIBMAi/
Some of Hollywood’s biggest players, including Rob Lowe, Bob Saget, Anna Kendrick, Tony Danza and Kevin Smith, expressed their admiration for the director on Twitter.
Garry Marshall hired me at 15 years old. He gave my wife her start at 18, as a makeup artist. He changed our lives. And MANY others. #love
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) July 20, 2016
The world has lost a great man, a comedy icon and a wonderful friend.
Rest in peace Garry Marshall.— bob saget (@bobsaget) July 20, 2016
I only met Garry Marshall once, when I was very young, but he was incredibly warm, encouraging, and generous with his time and energy. 💙
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) July 20, 2016
We lost one of the all time greatest tonight. My dear friend, Garry Marshall, has passed away. My deepest thoughts to Barbara & the family.
— Tony Danza (@TonyDanza) July 20, 2016
Director #GarryMarshall died. Amazing career. I met him back in April and got to tell him Nothing in Common was one of my favorite movies.
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) July 20, 2016
Christina Applegate also shared a touching personal story.
I will never forget he called me and said "this is Gary Marshall from show business " I saved that message for years. We lost an icon
— christina applegate (@1capplegate) July 20, 2016
George Lopez, who worked on the film Valentine’s Day shared a Googled photo from the pair’s film.
He was a talented man, a genuinely funny man , and nobody loved his family more. Gary Marshall #RIP #VayaConDios pic.twitter.com/FaDnIJrTCx
— George Lopez (@georgelopez) July 20, 2016
Ashton Kutcher, who worked on Valentine’s Day with Lopez and Marshall, shared this message:
I lost a friend & mentor. We lost a beautiful man & masterful story teller. Gary Marshall I love you. I hope I get to go where you are.
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) July 20, 2016
Comedian Bette Midler also paid tribute.
My wonderful, hilarious, big-hearted friend Garry Marshall died yesterday. He guided Barbara Hershey and me through #Beaches…
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) July 20, 2016
And Scott Baio has us in tears.
I'm heartbroken. My mentor and 2nd father has passed. #GarryMarshall pic.twitter.com/Gpn7beNJyu
— Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) July 20, 2016
Marshall touched so many people throughout his long life. He impacted Hollywood, old and new, with his brilliant takes on romantic comedies, and he will sorely be missed.
