Stars Mourn the Death of Garry Marshall: 'Thank You for My Professional Life,' Says Henry Winkler
Garry Marshall’s death had a profound effect on Hollywood. The writer/director/actor passed away on Tuesday evening from complications of pneumonia following a stroke at a hospital in Burbank, California. He was 81.
Among those who honored Marshall with condolences and prayers was Henry Winkler whose role of the Fonz on the Garry Marshall sitcom Happy Days launched his career. “Rest In Peace .. Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty, friendship and generosity,” Winkler tweeted, adding, “Larger than life, funnier than most , wise and the definition of friend.”
Richard Gere, who starred in Marshall’s Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride, told PEOPLE in a statement: “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.”
GARRY MARSHALL Rest In Peace .. Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty , friendship and generosity .
a€” Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real)
Larger than life, funnier than most , wise and the definition of friend https://t.co/k8qxEe4rIZ
a€” Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real)
Actor Wendell Pierce called Marshall a “comedy genius” and “cultural icon.” Those two descriptions were very much echoed by many actors and actresses whom had the honor of working with Marshall.
My heart is broken. Comic genius, Garry Marshall has died. A cultural icon who was brilliant till the end. Always kind. Always funny! RIP
a€” Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce)
Garry Marshall, I am forever indebted to you. Thank you for taking a chance on me. I love you. On the wings on Angels, rest now.
a€” Sarah Paulson (@MsSarahPaulson)
Sarah Paulson, who starred in the 1999 film The Other Sister, tweeted: “Garry Marshall, I am forever indebted to you. Thank you for taking a chance on me. I love you. On the wings on Angels, rest now.”
RIP Garry Marshall. You forever changed my father’s life, and thus, mine. Thank you for capturing so much joy on film, over and over.
a€” Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams)
Garry Marshall gave me one of the best experiences I ever had in my career. Thanks pal. RIP
a€” jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander)
I was blessed to have worked with Garry Marshall. Not only was he a wonderful director, but also, he was a gentle, loving, kind man. #RIP
a€” Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano)
A photo posted by Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba) on Jul 19, 2016 at 9:22pm PDT
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
a€” Rob Lowe (@RobLowe)
A video posted by Juliette Lewis (@juliettelewis) on Jul 19, 2016 at 8:27pm PDT
The world has lost a great man, a comedy icon and a wonderful friend.
Rest in peace Garry Marshall.a€” bob saget (@bobsaget)
Oh man, this is a tough one. Honored I spent time with this kind man. My love to his wife and family. #garrymarshall pic.twitter.com/COetJYtqMz
a€” Topher Grace (@TopherGrace)
Garry Marshall I adored working with you, your kindness unforgotten. “May you be in heaven half an hour before the Devil knows you’re dead.”
a€” Kathy Bates (@MsKathyBates)
Rest in peace dear sweet Garry Marshall. Thanks for being a mentor and friend to so many people. pic.twitter.com/BxWZyODogY
a€” Kim Williams-Paisley (@Kimwilliamspais)
Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, referenced her father’s role in Marshall’s sitcom Mork and Mindy. “RIP Garry Marshall. You forever changed my father’s life, and thus, mine. Thank you for capturing so much joy on film, over and over,” she tweeted.
We lost one of the all time greatest tonight. My dear friend, Garry Marshall, has passed away. My deepest thoughts to Barbara & the family.
a€” Tony Danza (@TonyDanza)
If you never met Garry Marshall, I’m sorry. We was a joy to be around. He shaped my childhood and by surprise – my adulthood.
a€” Thomas Lennon (@thomaslennon)
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.
a€” ashton kutcher (@aplusk)
Garry Marshall. Lovely man.
a€” Steve Carell (@SteveCarell)
So sad to hear the news about Garry Marshall. He was a kind and generous man who gave everything to his family and his work. A real loss…
a€” Fred Savage (@thefredsavage)
I’m heartbroken. My mentor and 2nd father has passed. #GarryMarshall pic.twitter.com/Gpn7beNJyu
a€” Scott Baio (@ScottBaio)
R.I.P. Garry Marshall. A great, great guy and the best casino boss in the history of film. #lostinamerica
a€” Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks)
Oh, man. RIP Garry Marshall. Sad. Just talked to him. Great guy.
a€” marc maron (@marcmaron)
RIP to one of Northwestern’s finest, the wonderful Garry Marshall. #PeppyandCheap https://t.co/VKE0nmmExR
a€” billy eichner (@billyeichner)
So sad to hear about the passing of the incredible Garry Marshall.. You will be missed.. pic.twitter.com/jOBXevwMFy
a€” Lea Michele (@msleamichele)
Take 2: Garry Marshall was a very nice man.
a€” Eric Stonestreet (@ericstonestreet)
I only met Garry Marshall once, when I was very young, but he was incredibly warm, encouraging, and generous with his time and energy.
a€” Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47)
RIP Garry Marshall. Had the privilege of working with this legend on “Father of the Pride”. He will be missed. Condolences to friends/family
a€” Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones)
#GarryMarshall was one of the good ones! He always fought for what is right! He helped change this world in many ways.
a€” Lance Bass (@LanceBass)
So sad to hear that Garry Marshall just passed, he brought us great TV! My condolences to his family #RIPGarry Pretty Woman, Happy Days…
a€” La Toya Jackson (@latoyajackson)
Garry Marshall was my hero & my mentor. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to be the kind of man he was. I love you Garry. Rest in peace
a€” Rory O'Malley (@RoryOMalley)
Garry Marshall was as sweet as he was generous and he told a great story. He will be missed.
a€” Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers)
A photo posted by Mandy Moore (@mandymooremm) on Jul 19, 2016 at 9:12pm PDT
Marshall is survived by his wife, Barbara – to whom he was married to for 53 years – son Scott, daughters Lori and Kathleen, and sisters Penny Marshall and Ronny Hallin.