Ron Howard,Henry Winklerand the cast ofHappy Daysremembered their friend and former costar,Penny Marshall.
Howard, 64, remembered Marshall, who died of complications from diabetes, as “funny” and “smart” in a tweet he shared on Tuesday.
“#RIPPennyMarshallShe was funny & so smart. She made the transition from sitcom star to A List movie director with ease & had a major impact on both mediums,” theSolo: A Star Wars Storydirector wrote. “All that & always relaxed, funny & totally unpretentious. I was lucky to have known & worked with her.”
Howard starred as Richie Cunningham in the family show opposite Winkler, 73, who portrayed Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, the local bad boy. Marshall played Laverne DeFazio, a tough-talking tomboy.
Based on the popularity of her character along with Cindy Williams’ Shirley Feeney, Laverne’s roommate, ABC created theHappy Daysspin-off,Laverne & Shirley,which cemented Marshall as a sitcom star.
“The next time we worked together was on that iconic episode of “Happy Days.” She was so inventive, so funny and so warm,” he continued. “She brought her own unique brand of humor to what was on the written page. Watching her playing Laverne, I remember thinking, ‘Wow,” she has just created the 20th Century Lucille Ball.””
ABC via Getty
OtherHappy Dayscast members such as Anson Williams, who played one of Richie’s best friends Potsie, remembered theBigdirector, tellingDeadlinein a statement, “Penny was as courageous as she was talented, and broke down the wall for women directors. Penny will be missed, but her talent and inspiration is evergreen.”
Marion Ross, who portrayed the family matriarch, Mrs. Cunningham, told the outlet, “Our dear sweet Penny has gone up to see Garry [Marshall]. So there will no doubt be happier days in heaven, just as they made every day happy for us here on earth.”
Don Most, who played Ralph, agreed with Ross, telling the publication, “So sad to hear about Penny’s passing. She was a very funny, gifted and deceptively smart woman. There will be a lot more laughs up in heaven. RIP Penny.”
RELATED VIDEO: Penny Marshall Pay Tribute To Brother Gary Marshall in Exclusive Clip of CBS’s ‘The Odd Couple’
source: people.com
