On Both Sides Of The Camera
Most television viewers remember Penny Marshall as the lovable Laverne DeFazio on Laverne & Shirley. But acting was only one chapter in her career. Marshall later found success as a director, breaking barriers for women and creating some of the most popular films of her generation.
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Born Into A Show Business Family
Carole Penny Marshall was born on October 15, 1943, in The Bronx, New York City. Entertainment surrounded her from an early age. Her father, Anthony Marshall, worked as a film director and producer, while her mother, Marjorie Ward, operated a dance school.
Learning From Her Mother
Marshall spent large parts of her childhood around her mother's dance studio. Watching students rehearse and perform gave her an early appreciation for entertainment. The environment also helped build the confidence that would later be an asset as a performer.
Teaching Tap Dance
As a young woman, Marshall got involved in teaching at her mother's dance school. She particularly enjoyed tap dancing and eventually taught classes herself. Long before television fame arrived, she was already learning how to work with performers and manage creative environments.
Growing Up With Garry Marshall
Marshall's older brother, Garry Marshall, would become one of the most successful television producers in America. The siblings remained close throughout their lives, and their careers would eventually overlap with each other.
Fotos International, Getty Images
College In New Mexico
After graduating from high school, Marshall attended the University of New Mexico. She didn’t complete a degree, but the experience gave her a look at life outside New York and marked another step in her journey toward an entertainment career.
Marriage And Motherhood
While still young, Marshall married Michael Henry. The marriage produced her daughter, Tracy. Although the relationship ended a couple of years later, becoming a mother remained one of the most important experiences of her life.
Following Opportunity West
As Garry Marshall's television career began taking off, Penny relocated to Los Angeles. The move placed her closer to the growing television industry and created opportunities that would likely have been unavailable if she’d stayed on the East Coast.
Early Commercial Work
Marshall's first screen appearances included commercial work. One early Head n’ Shoulders shampoo commercial featured her alongside future star Farrah Fawcett. Such jobs helped her gain experience and visibility within the industry.
A Small Film Role
Marshall's acting résumé slowly expanded during the 1960s. One of her early film appearances came in the comedy-drama How Sweet It Is!, which was written and produced by her brother Garry and starred James Garner and Debbie Reynolds. Penny's role in the film was modest, but it provided another valuable credit.
American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Wikimedia Commons
Auditioning For Gloria Bunker
When producers searched for actresses to play Gloria Bunker in All in the Family, Marshall auditioned for the role. The part ultimately went to Sally Struthers, but the experience kept her connected to important television casting circles.
Joining The Odd Couple
Marshall's breakthrough arrived when she landed the recurring role of Myrna Turner on The Odd Couple. The character became popular enough that she appeared repeatedly throughout the show's run.
Screenshot from The Odd Couple, ABC Television(1970–1975)
A New Marriage
In 1971, Marshall married Rob Reiner. Reiner adopted her daughter Tracy, and the marriage connected two future Hollywood directing talents. Although the marriage later ended, the pair remained important figures in each other's lives.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
Appearances On The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Marshall continued building her television résumé during the 1970s. She appeared on three different episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, gaining further exposure among television audiences and producers.
Screenshot from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, CBS Television (1970–1977)
Enter Laverne DeFazio
A major turning point arrived when Marshall appeared on an episode of Happy Days as Laverne DeFazio along with Cindy Williams as Shirley Feeney. The character immediately connected with viewers and generated far more enthusiasm than anyone expected.
Screenshot from Happy Days, ABC Television (1974–1984)
An Unexpected Spin-Off
The popularity of Laverne and her friend Shirley Feeney led directly to a new series. Television executives quickly recognized that the pair could carry their own show, creating what would later become one of the most successful spin-offs in television history.
Fotos International, Getty Images
Laverne & Shirley Becomes A Hit
Laverne & Shirley debuted in 1976 and became a ratings powerhouse. Marshall's comedic timing, distinctive voice, and chemistry with co-star Cindy Williams helped make the series a major prime time success. Marshall received Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a Comedy Series three years in a row in the late 70s.
Screenshot from Laverne & Shirley, ABC Television (1976–1983)
One Of TV's Biggest Stars
For several years, Laverne & Shirley ranked among America's most-watched programs. Marshall became one of television's most recognizable performers, with millions of viewers tuning in each week to watch the adventures of the Milwaukee brewery workers and roommates.
Screenshot from Laverne & Shirley, ABC Television (1976–1983)
Looking Beyond Acting
As her acting success grew, Marshall got more and more interested in what happened behind the camera. She paid close attention to directors and production decisions, gradually developing ambitions that extended beyond performing.
Getting Her First Directing Opportunity
Marshall's transition into directing began with directing a handful of Laverne & Shirley episodes before she moved into feature films. The experience gave her valuable technical knowledge and helped prepare her for much larger projects in the years ahead.
Screenshot from Laverne & Shirley, ABC Television (1976–1983)
Directing Jumpin' Jack Flash
Marshall made her feature directing debut with Jumpin' Jack Flash (1986). Starring Whoopi Goldberg, the film proved that Marshall could successfully handle the responsibilities of directing a major studio production.
A Career-Changing Success
Her next film, Big (1988) became a massive hit. Starring Tom Hanks, the film earned critical acclaim and made Marshall the first woman director to helm a movie that grossed more than $100 million.
Screenshot from Big, 20th Century Fox (1988)
Directing Awakenings
Marshall followed with Awakenings (1991), starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. The film received multiple Academy Award nominations and demonstrated her ability to direct serious dramatic material.
Screenshot from Awakenings, Columbia Pictures (1990)
A League Of Their Own
In 1992, Marshall directed A League of Their Own. Starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Jon Lovitz, among others, the film was a combination of humor, sports, and colorful storytelling. It’s actually become one of the best baseball films ever made and is one of Marshall’s biggest achievements.
Screenshot from A League of Their Own, Columbia Pictures (1992)
Producing And Later Projects
Marshall continued directing and producing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. While she never fully escaped the public's memory of Laverne DeFazio, her reputation within Hollywood increasingly rested on her accomplishments as a filmmaker.
Giulio Marcocchi, Getty Images
Beyond The Laughter
Marshall's ambitions as a filmmaker went beyond simple comedy. She liked to use her movies to explore themes of coming of age, women's achievements, and society's attitude toward vulnerable people. Films like Awakenings explored the humanity of people with severe disabilities, while A League of Their Own celebrated women's accomplishments and resilience during an earlier time when opportunities were a lot more limited than they are now.
Health Challenges
Later in life, Marshall faced various health problems. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010, and this was the start of a years-long battle with the disease. But even as her activity slowed, she remained a respected figure in the entertainment industry and continued to be recognized for both her acting and directing contributions.
Donaldson Collection, Getty Images
The End Of A Remarkable Journey
Penny Marshall died on December 17, 2018, at the age of 75. Tributes highlighted not only her television success but also her groundbreaking achievements as a director who helped expand opportunities for women in Hollywood.
A Legacy Beyond Laverne
Although Laverne & Shirley made her famous, Penny Marshall's greatest impact came behind the camera. Through films such as Big, Awakenings, and A League of Their Own, she built a directing resume that continues to inspire filmmakers today.
You May Also Like:
David Soul: The Singer Who Helped Make Starsky & Hutch A TV Legend
