It was a day of mourning for fans of classic television when the news broke on Tuesday, December 18, that the legendary Hollywood actress and director Penny Marshall had passed away at the age of 75. Her Laverne & Shirley co-star Cindy Williams, who shared so many memorable moments with Penny on screen, took the time to honor her late friend in a heartfelt tribute. "What an extraordinary loss," Cindy, now 71, said in a statement to Closer Weekly. "My good friend, Penny Marshall, is gone—she was truly one in a million. Her talent was utterly unique, and the joy we shared together was unmatched. I can’t even begin to describe how much I’ll miss her."
A Look Back at Penny Marshall’s Legacy
Penny Marshall wasn’t just an actress; she was a trailblazer who made her mark in both television and film. Her sister, Ronny Marshall Hallin, shared some poignant details about Penny’s final moments, saying, “She was ready.” From her early days on Happy Days to directing blockbuster hits like A League of Their Own and Rosie, Penny’s career was nothing short of remarkable. Her passing on December 17, due to complications from diabetes, left a void in the entertainment world that many are still grappling with.
Remembering the Magic of Laverne & Shirley
From 1976 to 1983, Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams brought laughter into millions of homes as Laverne and Shirley. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their performances were iconic. The two initially co-starred on Happy Days before spinning off into their own show, which became a cultural phenomenon. After Penny’s death, many of her Happy Days co-stars paid tribute to her, reflecting on the impact she had on their lives and careers.
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Ron Howard, another close friend and colleague, took to Twitter to express his admiration for Penny. “#RIPPennyMarshall. She was funny and so smart. Penny didn’t just transition from sitcom star to A-List movie director; she mastered it. Her impact on both mediums was undeniable. She was relaxed, funny, and completely unpretentious. I was lucky to have known and worked with her,” he wrote.
Memories from Fellow Cast Members
Henry Winkler, who worked alongside Penny on Happy Days, also shared his reflections. “I first met Penny one month after arriving in Los Angeles. I was a guest star on a TV pilot she was working on. The next time we worked together was on that iconic episode of Happy Days. She was inventive, funny, and warm. Watching her portray Laverne, I remember thinking, ‘Wow, she’s created the 20th-century Lucille Ball.’”
Other cast members chimed in as well. Anson Williams described Penny’s “talent and inspiration as evergreen,” while Marion Ross added, “Our dear sweet Penny has gone up to see [her brother, Garry Marshall]. There’s no doubt heaven will be happier with her there, just as she made every day happy for us here on earth.”
Penny Marshall may have left us, but her legacy lives on through the laughter and memories she created. Rest in peace, Penny. You will be greatly missed.
