Garry Marshall — ‘Happy Days’ Creator Dead At 81

Garry Marshall has passed away from complications of pneumonia after suffering a stroke at the age of 81 — with the Hollywood writer/producer/director leaving behind a legacy of hit films and TV series! The New York City native hit it big when he went from being a comedy writer to producing the hit '70s TV version of "The Odd Couple."

From there, Garry created the hit series "Happy Days" — and then oversaw the spin-off shows "Laverne & Shirley" and "Mork & Mindy," while also continuing to write for the shows. Garry moved into directing films in the '80s, and later scored massive hits with Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" and "Runaway Bride."

Julia also showed up alongside Jennifer Aniston in "Mother's Day," the box-office disappointment that would be Garry's final film — completing his holiday romantic-comedy trilogy he began with "Valentine's Day" and "New Year's Eve."

Garry's death is especially troubling for his sister Penny Marshall, who the producer turned into a star by casting her in "The Odd Couple" before signing her up to star with Cindy Williams in "Laverne & Shirley."As reported by The National ENQUIRER, Penny had been relying on her wealthy brother to keep the peace as her family battled over her money as the ailing actress/director fought various illnesses.