Garry Marshall Dead at 81: A Look Back at Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries and More of His Best Movies

The legendary Hollywood producer, director, writer and actor led a career spanning four decades

By Samantha Schnurr Jul 20, 2016 12:57 PMTags

Hollywood has lost a movie legend, but fortunately, Garry Marshall's legacy will live on in his films. 

The iconic actor, producer, director and writer led a career spanning more than four decades. In that time, he managed to magnify the careers of then-upcoming stars like Julia Roberts and Anne Hathaway and fortify the romantic comedy genre tenfold.

"He launched and nurtured more careers than he had shoes," Tom Hanks wrote of the director. 

The 81-year-old, who passed away from complications of pneumonia following a stroke, was as multi-talented as they come in the industry, having simultaneously written, directed and starred in cameo appearances in many of his films. Aside from the silver screen, he also created several beloved television series, including Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy—the latter having turned Robin Williams into a household name.

"I had this kid, Robin Williams. Nobody ever heard of him. I brought him on as a guest on Happy Days," Marshall told CNBC. "When I introduced Robin Williams, the audience stood up...I said this could be somebody good and that's when I immediately tried to create something."

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Garry Marshall Dies at 81: Julie Andrews, Héctor Elizondo, Goldie Hawn, Richard Gere and More Stars Pay Tribute to the Director

Though he is no longer with us, even Marshall's earliest creations have withstood the test of time and have become classics continuously enjoyed by new generations. As for the actors who credit Marshall for giving them their big break, it's safe to say they will never forget him. 

"Garry Marshall, without you there'd be no me," John Stamos wrote on Instagram late Tuesday. "My heart is aching."

"You forever changed my father's life, and thus, mine," Williams' daughter Zelda Williams wrote on Twitter. "Thank you for capturing so much joy on film, over and over."

To revisit all of Garry's best movies, check out E!'s gallery below. 

Watch: Garry Marshall in Talks With Disney for "Princess Diaries 3"
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Garry Marshall's Best Movies