Marshall, Garry (1934-2016), was a successful American television and motion-picture producer, director, and screenwriter. Marshall gained fame as producer of some of the most popular TV comedy series of the 1970’s and 1980’s. The best known were “The Odd Couple” (1970-1975), “Happy Days” (1974-1984), “Laverne and Shirley” (1976-1983), and “Mork and Mindy” (1978-1982).
Marshall began producing and writing motion pictures in the late 1960’s and turned to directing in the 1980’s. His biggest hit was the romantic comedy Pretty Woman (1990). He also directed Young Doctors in Love (1982), The Flamingo Kid (1984), Overboard (1987), Beaches (1989), Frankie and Johnny (1991), Runaway Bride (1999), The Princess Diaries (2001), The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), and Valentine’s Day (2010). In addition, Marshall acted in many TV and motion-picture comedies.
Marshall was born on Nov. 13, 1934, in New York City. His real name was Garry Kent Marscharelli. His younger sister was the actress and director Penny Marshall , who starred in “Laverne & Shirley.” After graduating with a journalism degree from Northwestern University, Marshall started as a copy boy and then a reporter in New York City. He then began writing material for comedians and became a stand-up comedy himself. In the early 1960’s, Marshall wrote for such popular TV series as “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Lucy Show,” and “The Danny Thomas Show.” Marshall wrote the autobiography My Happy Days in Hollywood (with his daughter Lori Marshall, 2012). He died on July 19, 2016.
