By Mark Gray
12:32pm PST, Dec 18, 2018
Penny Marshall, famed actor, director and producer, died of complications from diabetes at her home in California on Dec. 18. She was 75. Penny became beloved thanks to her work on "Laverne & Shirley." She later became a respected director, leading films such as "Big" and "A League of Their Own." "Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall," her family said in a statement. "Penny was a tomboy who loved sports, doing puzzles of any kind, drinking milk and Pepsi together and being with her family." Keep reading to see how Hollywood reacted to the passing of this legend…
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"Sad to hear of Penny Marshall's passing. a great comedienne a terrific director and a dear friend." –Billy Crystal
"Oh Penny Marshall. Rest In Peace and thank you for everything." –Busy Phillips
"Condolences to the family of Penny Marshall. She was a true treasure!" –William Shatner
"I grew up wanting to be as funny as Penny Marshall, and had the pleasure of meeting her a few times. Watch some old Laverne and Shirley to see why her brother Garry insisted on casting her. Comedy gold, she was." –Mayim Bialik
"Rest in peace, Penny. Such a wonderful, funny and talented lady. Without her support and encouragement, I would not be where I am today. She will be missed." —Mark Wahlberg
"I loved her SO MUCH. Sending love to her family. #RIPPenny #laverne #femalefilmmaker" —Elizabeth Banks
"I got to stay up late-after Happy Days-2 watch Laverne & Shirley. So sad 2 learn that Penny Marshall has passed. Sitting on a sit-com set 40 years later, thinking about milk & pepsi, rodeo-doh-doh-doh & so many of her brilliant moments. Love to her family, friends & our town…" –Sean Astin
"The Marshall family grieves again as the great #PennyMarshall dies at age 75. What an extraordinary family they were and continue to be, and how much love and sympathy my family and I send their way. The end of an era." –Bette Midler
"R.I.P. Penny Marshall. So talented and funny. A big loss." –Albert Brooks
"Yesterday I held a Golden Gloves award from the 1930's, given to me by Penny Marshall. Hadn't seen it in years. Then today's news… Penny told me the story of Jim Braddock, which became the movie Cinderella Man. She was kind, she was crazy, so talented and she loved movies. RIP" –Russell Crowe
"Penny Marshall was a sweet woman. I was very fortunate to spend time with her. So many laughs. She had a heart of gold. Tough as nails. She could play round ball with the best of them. Always All love, D" –Danny DeVito
"I'm so sad to hear about the passing of Penny Marshall. #RestInPeace" –Katie Couric
"RIP Penny Marshall. You were my childhood, and forever after. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world. xoxo" –Trisha Yearwood
"Farewell to the lady I imitated as a kid before becoming her neighbor years later, legendary sitcom star and BIG director Penny Marshall. Got to tell Penny that LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN is one of my favorite films when we recorded 4 epic podcasts at my house" –Kevin Smith
"Thank you, Penny Marshall. For the trails you blazed. The laughs you gave. The hearts you warmed." –Ava DuVernay
"Heartbroken to learn that #PennyMarshall has passed away!! The Marshall family holds a special place in my heart for being so kind and creative and encouraging to other artists. But she was a special role model for female comedians like myself. #RIP #ThankYou." –Melissa Joan Hart
"At a time when men dominated, #pennymarshall broke barriers as a director, giving us hit after hit. A League of their Own, Awakenings, & Big aren't simply great movies. They r classics made by a director who was simultaneously setting up shots while breaking down walls. RIP" –Josh Gad
"Penny Marshall was a loyal friend, a pioneer for women in film, and true supporter of women in the industry. Rest In Peace my friend." —Kathy Griffin
"Mourning the loss of a funny, poignant, and original American voice. Penny Marshall was a pioneer in television and the big screen who understood humor comes in many forms and some of life's deeper truths require a laugh. She will be missed. May she RIP." –Dan Rather
"Penny Marshall brought us great laughter and truly broke new ground as a director. Neither a schlemiel, nor ever a schlimazel, she shall be missed by her many fans. Rest in peace." –George Takei
"So sad about Penny." –Rob Reiner
"I'm sad to read she has passed. Director, producer and actress who had the humor, wit and fortitude to stand equally with the boys in Hollywood. Goodbye Penny, we will miss you. RIP" –Marlee Matlin
"I am absolutely devastated. #PennyMarshall was one of my dearest friends. I loved her. Funny, warm, a true individual and remarkable talent. #RidingInCarsWithBoys" –James Woods
"I learned to French kiss from an old rerun when Laverne was teaching Shirley how to kiss using the back of her hand! It took me years to try it out but I was prepared and my hand never got so much lovin'! RIP #PennyMarshall #LaverneandShirley" –Victoria Cartagena
"Had the chance to meet and sit at plenty of Laker games with ms penny marshall during my childhood years. Great woman with a great soul! RIP" –Bow Wow
"She was an incredible artist. Met her when I was a broke young actor. She gave me her court side seats to a Clippers game. 'Here, I can't watch them lose anymore.' I felt like such a big shot with my friends that night sitting in Penny Marshall's seats watching the Clippers lose." -Alan Tudyk
"I was invited by Penny Marshall to her house one afternoon to talk about a film she was doing. She was so kind to me. She was so smart and funny. I will never forget that afternoon. My heart goes out to her family and friends." –Vincent D'Onofrio
"Penny Marshall?!? Wtf? A funny and brilliant filmmaker and performer. Died at 75. Shocker. I feel sad." –Lucy Lawless
