Beloved Hollywood Icon Garry Marshall Dies At Age 81

Renown film and television writer, director, and actor Garry Marshall passed away at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, July 19 at the age of 81, from complications of pneumonia following a stroke at a hospital in Burbank, California, according to a statement from his publicist and representative.

Access Hollywood exclusively broke the news of the passing of the respected Hollywood director at 7:11 pm PT on Tuesday on social media.

The Hollywood icon’s credits and work include both TV and film that spans over 50 years.

Marshall’s most recent film “Mother’s Day” (2016), which he wrote and directed, reunited him with actress Julia Roberts whom he directed in “Pretty Woman” in 1990.

WATCH: Garry Marshall Shares Memories Of Directing Julia Roberts & Richard Gere

    After beginning his career as a writer for TV shows in the early 1960s (including “The Jack Paar Tonight Show” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show”), Marshall gained recognition in the ’70s for the numerous TV shows he created including “Happy Days” and its various spinoffs that included “Joanie Loves Chachi,” “Laverne & Shirley,” and “Mork & Mindy.” Marshall also developed Neil Simon’s 1965 play “The Odd Couple” into the notable TV series.

    Marshall began his illustrious film directorial career with 1982’s “Young Doctors In Love” starring Sean Young, followed by “The Flamingo Kid” which he also wrote and which starred Matt Dillon. His directorial resume includes recognized films such as “Overboard” (1987), “Beaches” (1988), and “The Princess Diaries” (2001).

    WATCH: Garry Marshall Raves About His ‘Happy Days In Hollywood’

      Within the past six years, Marshall was known for his who’s who of A-listers cast in holiday-themed films including “Valentine’s Day” (2010), “New Year’s Eve” (2011), and his most recent and last movie “Mother’s Day” (2016).

      Marshall also acted and appeared regularly on the television series “Murphy Brown” as character Stan Lansing and often made many cameo appearances over the years in the TV shows and films he created and directed.

      WATCH: George Lopez: Everybody Wanted To Work With Garry Marshall On ‘Valentine’s Day’

        The director-writer is also brother to actress-director Penny Marshall, and launched her Hollywood career. His sister Penny acted in one of his most recognized TV series “Happy Days” before starring in its spin-off “Laverne & Shirley.”

        Marshall is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara and their three children and his sister Penny.

        — Kim Martin

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