‘Pretty Woman’ director Garry Marshall dies

Los Angeles, July 20

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Veteran filmmaker Garry Marshall, the man behind some of the best Hollywood romantic comedies such as “Pretty Woman”, “Runaway Bride” and “Valentine’s Day”, has died at the age of 81.

Marshall is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara, and three children, including Scott, a film director. According to his representative, Marshall died from complications of pneumonia following a stroke at a hospital in Burbank, California, yesterday, reported E! Online. His sister, actress and director Penny Marshall, also confirmed the news.

Born in Bronx, Marshall graduated from Northwestern U’s Medill School of Journalism and began his career as a joke writer for comedians, including Joey Bishop, then worked on the writing staff of “The Tonight Show With Jack Paar”.

He made his directorial debut in 1967 with TV show “Hey, Landlord” and went on to create some of the 1970s’ most iconic sitcoms, including “Happy Days”, and “The Odd Couple”.

The first feature Marshall directed was the 1982 comedy “Young Doctors in Love”, but his first big screen blockbuster was 1990s’ “Pretty Woman” featuring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The trio reunited in 1999 for box office hit “Runaway Bride”. Marshall is credited with launching Anne Hathaway’s career with “The Princess Diaries” and its sequel.

The films saw global grosses of $165 million and $135 million, respectively. Marshall had recently talked about his plans to bring the third movie in the franchise.

His other major romantic movies are “New Year’s Eve” and his last release this year “Mother’s Day”.

Celebrities took to Twitter to pay their respects, including “Happy Days” alum Henry Winkler, who tweeted: “Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty, friendship and generosity.”

“Garry Marshall gave me one of the best experiences I ever had in my career. Thanks pal. RIP,” tweeted Jason Alexander. — PTI