A-Listers Adoringly Recall Iconic Producer Garry Marshall As 'One Of The All-Time Heroes Of My Life'

May 30, 2020 by apost team

Garry Marshall was famous for many things, from the shows he created to the lives he touched. When he passed away in 2016, celebrities and fans alike mourned his loss.

Marshall became a household name when he produced the immensely popular TV show Happy Days in the 1970s. The show, which was about a group of friends in the 1950s, launched the careers of many actors.

Henry Winkler credits his role as the Fonz for jump-starting his career. Ron Howard was already a star when he joined the cast of Happy Days, but the show helped him bridge the gap between his career as a child star on The Andy Griffith Show and his adult career as an actor and director. Marshall had a knack for spotting young talent and bring out the best in them.

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When on set, Marshall made everyone feel at ease. His low-key, friendly manner kept his cast and crew relaxed, happy, and ready to give their best performances.

Winkler said Marshall used to say, "Everybody makes important television. I make 'recess'." Everyone seemed to appreciate his version of 'recess,' as the show stayed at the top of the ratings for weeks on end.

After the show finished its successful run, Marshall created its equally popular spinoff, Laverne and Shirley. That show starred Cindy Williams and Marshall's wife, Penny Marshall.

Cindy Williams echoes what many of the stars say, which is that Marshall was one of the nicest, funniest, most creative people she ever worked with. Despite his years of Hollywood success, he stayed humble.

Marshall also produced numerous blockbuster movies, including Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts. Roberts makes it clear she truly adored Marshall, whom she credits with discovering her.

She also says he gave her the confidence to be funny, helping her grow as an actress and comedian. She describes him as "one of the all-time heroes of my life." High praise indeed from an actress who must have met many influential people in her stellar career.

Pass this along to your friends and family so they can also listen to an impressive lineup of Hollywood stars talk about the memories of Marshall and how much he meant to them.