‘Laverne & Shirley’ Star Penny Marshall Dead At 75

Rest in peace. Penny Marshall, the actress best known for her role on Laverne & Shirley, sadly died on Monday, Dec. 17 at age 75 at her Hollywood Hills, CA home, it was confirmed to Closer Weekly on Tuesday, Dec. 18. The cause of her death was complications from diabetes. “Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall,” the Marshall family said in a statement to Closer.

Penny will be remembered for playing Laverne on Laverne & Shirley and directing Tom Hanks in 1988’s Big, which made her the first woman in history to helm a film that grossed more than $100 million at the box office. She also directed A League Of Their Own (which repeated the success of Big) and Awakenings, another successful film. After Laverne & Shirley, she focused more on directing but made appearances in Murder Police, The Odd Couple, and more.

The actress — who was born on Oct. 15, 1943, was married to Michael Henry from 1961 until 1963 and to Rob Reiner from 1971 until 1981. Penny and Rob had one child together, daughter Tracy Reiner, 54.

“Penny was a tomboy who loved sports, doing puzzles of any kind, drinking milk and Pepsi together, and being with her family,” her family penned in an obituary. “Penny was a girl from the Bronx, who came out West, put a cursive ‘L’ on her sweater, and transformed herself into a Hollywood success story.  We hope her life continues to inspire others to spend time with family, work hard, and make all of their dreams come true.”

Funeral arrangements for the late star will be announced in due course. Penny will be greatly missed and our thoughts remain with her friends and the Marshall family during this difficult time.