RIP Laverne

[Pyperkub]

What an amazing career Penny Marshall had after sticomland:

Actress Penny Marshall, who found fame in TV's "Laverne & Shirley" before going on to direct such beloved films as "Big" and "A League of Their Own," has died. She was 75.
Marshall died peacefully in her Hollywood Hills home on Monday night due to complications from diabetes, said Michelle Bega, a spokeswoman for the family.

[Daehawk]

Is it strange I instantly knew the Laverne you spoke of? She was a nut in the best way. Loved her since I was a kid. RIP. Such a funny and from what Ive seen a kind lady.

[Hyena]

Damnit. League of Their Own was fantastic. She was awesome.

[Pyperkub]

Here's a better write-up courtesy of Variety:

Marshall was the first woman to direct a film that grossed more than $100 million, the first woman to direct two films that grossed more than $100 million, and she was only the second woman director to see her film Oscar-nominated for best picture.

“Laverne & Shirley” ran from 1976-1983 and proved an enormous success for ABC. It was the No. 3 show on television in 1975-76, No. 2 in 1976-77, and No. 1 in 1977-78 and 1978-79, spawning ancillary revenue in the form of merchandising, a record album and an animated series based on the show.

Marshall began her directing career by helming several episodes of “Laverne & Shirley.” With little experience, she replaced Howard Zieff as director on her feature directorial debut, the Whoopi Goldberg vehicle “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” which for a comedy grossed a respectable $30 million in 1986. Far more successful, however, was Marshall’s second outing, the 1988 sentimental comedy “Big,” which sported a subtle, delightful, Oscar-nominated performance from Tom Hanks — and grossed $151 million worldwide, reportedly becoming the first film directed by a woman to gross $100 million...

...A League of Their Own,” set in the world of women’s baseball during World War II, and starring Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell, grossed $132 million worldwide, including about $25 million overseas. The movie was selected in 2012 for inclusion in the National Film Registry, and it spawned a briefed television adaptation.

[Isgrimnur]