Facts about Penny Marshall
Penny Marshall was an American actress, director, and producer who was born on October 15, 1943, in The Bronx, New York. She was the daughter of Marjorie Irene and Anthony Masciarelli, and she grew up with her brother, Garry Marshall, who also became a successful filmmaker. Penny started her career as an actress in the 1960s, appearing in popular TV shows like The Odd Couple and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. However, she is best known for her work as a director, having directed several successful movies like Big, A League of Their Own, and Awakenings.
Penny Marshall’s Family
Penny Marshall came from a family of entertainers. Her mother was a dance instructor, and her father was a film director and producer. Her brother, Garry Marshall, was also a successful filmmaker, having directed hit movies like Pretty Woman and The Princess Diaries. Penny was married twice in her life. Her first husband was Michael Henry, whom she married in 1961 and divorced in 1963. Her second husband was Rob Reiner, whom she married in 1971 and divorced in 1981. Penny had one daughter, Tracy Reiner, who is also an actress and producer.
Penny Marshall Comes Out
In her autobiography, My Mother Was Nuts, Penny Marshall revealed that she had a romantic relationship with Carrie Fisher, who was her co-star in the movie, The Blues Brothers. Penny said that she and Carrie were in a relationship for a brief period in the late 1970s, but they remained close friends until Carrie’s death in 2016. Penny’s revelation was a surprise to many of her fans, but it was also a testament to her honesty and openness about her personal life.
Penny Marshall’s Early Life and Career
Penny Marshall was born and raised in The Bronx, New York. She attended the University of New Mexico but dropped out after two years to pursue a career in acting. She moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s and began her career as an actress. Her breakthrough role came in the TV series, Laverne & Shirley, which aired from 1976 to 1983. Penny played the role of Laverne DeFazio, a working-class girl from Milwaukee who dreams of making it big in Hollywood.
Penny Marshall’s Relationship with Carrie Fisher
Penny Marshall and Carrie Fisher became close friends while filming The Blues Brothers in 1980. They remained friends until Carrie’s death in 2016. Penny said that she and Carrie bonded over their shared experiences as women in the male-dominated film industry. They also shared a love of humor and a willingness to speak their minds. Penny said that Carrie was a great friend and a talented actress, and she was devastated by her death.
Penny Marshall’s Career in the Film Industry
Penny Marshall’s career as a director began in the 1980s when she directed several TV shows, including Laverne & Shirley, The Bob Newhart Show, and Happy Days. Her first feature film as a director was Jumpin’ Jack Flash, which was released in 1986. She went on to direct several successful movies, including Big (1988), Awakenings (1990), A League of Their Own (1992), and The Preacher’s Wife (1996). Penny was known for her ability to tell stories that were both funny and heartwarming, and her movies were beloved by audiences around the world.
Penny Marshall’s Legacy
Penny Marshall was a trailblazer in the film industry, paving the way for other women to become directors and producers. She was also a talented actress and comedian, known for her sharp wit and her ability to make people laugh. Penny’s legacy will live on through her movies, which continue to inspire and entertain audiences today.
