Penny Marshall was a trailblazer in Hollywood, beloved for her unique blend of comedic timing and dramatic chops. Known primarily for her role as Laverne DeFazio on the iconic TV sitcom Laverne & Shirley, Marshall later made an even bigger mark on the industry as a groundbreaking film director. She became one of the most successful female directors in Hollywood, with major hits like Big and A League of Their Own. As of 2025, fans and industry insiders still fondly remember her impact on television and film, but many may wonder, “Is Penny Marshall still alive?” This article explores Marshall’s life, career, health, and enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
A Star is Born in the Bronx
Penny Marshall was born Carole Penny Marshall on October 15, 1943, in The Bronx, New York City, to Marjorie and Anthony Marshall. Penny came from a family with deep ties to the entertainment industry. Her father, Anthony, was a director, producer, and industrial film executive, while her mother, Marjorie, was a former tap dancer. Penny’s brother, Garry Marshall, would later become a legendary television and film director himself, contributing to Penny’s early exposure to the world of show business.
Penny initially studied at the University of New Mexico but quickly realized that her true passion lay in performing. She went on to study acting, honing her craft before eventually landing her first significant acting role. Penny’s career began to take off when she moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting in the late 1960s.
Acting Career: Breakthrough with Laverne & Shirley
Penny Marshall’s big break came when she was cast as Laverne DeFazio in the hit sitcom Laverne & Shirley, which aired from 1976 to 1983. The show, a spinoff from Happy Days, quickly became one of television’s most beloved comedies. Marshall’s portrayal of the quirky and bold Laverne, alongside her on-screen best friend Shirley, played by Cindy Williams, earned her wide recognition. The chemistry between Marshall and Williams became the heart of the show, making it a cultural phenomenon.
Laverne & Shirley was a massive success and became a staple of TV in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Penny Marshall’s performance earned her two Golden Globe nominations, further cementing her place as a comedy icon. She had an innate ability to balance physical comedy with heartfelt moments, drawing on her real-life experiences to create a character that was both fun-loving and vulnerable.
Transitioning to Directing: Penny Marshall’s Groundbreaking Film Career
From Actress to Director
While Penny Marshall’s acting career was thriving, she began to feel limited by the roles she was offered, especially after the end of Laverne & Shirley. Marshall had always been interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking, and she decided to make the transition to directing. Her first foray into directing came with the 1986 film Jumpin’ Jack Flash, starring Whoopi Goldberg. Though it wasn’t a major success, it provided Marshall with invaluable experience that would shape her future directorial career.
Her real breakthrough as a director came in 1988 with Big, starring Tom Hanks. The film, a heartwarming and humorous story about a young boy who magically switches places with his adult self, became an instant classic. It was a box-office hit, grossing over $150 million and earning Hanks an Academy Award nomination. Marshall’s direction was praised for its ability to balance comedy with emotional depth, and she became the first woman to direct a film that grossed over $100 million at the box office.
A League of Their Own: A Defining Moment
In 1992, Penny Marshall directed A League of Their Own, a film about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League that existed during World War II. The film, which starred Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Lori Petty, became an iconic sports drama that continues to be beloved today. Marshall’s direction of the film was lauded for its mix of humor, drama, and social commentary, and it has since become a feminist classic.
“There’s no crying in baseball!”—a memorable line from the film—has entered popular culture, further solidifying Marshall’s place in Hollywood history. A League of Their Own remains one of Marshall’s most celebrated films and a defining moment in her career as a director.
Penny Marshall’s Legacy in Hollywood
Breaking Barriers for Women Directors
Penny Marshall’s legacy in Hollywood is inextricably tied to her role as a pioneering female director. During a time when the film industry was still largely dominated by men, Marshall broke barriers with her successful career in directing. She became one of the most successful female directors in history, paving the way for future generations of women filmmakers.
Her films, including Big and A League of Their Own, not only entertained audiences but also provided opportunities for women to take on leading roles both in front of and behind the camera. Marshall’s success helped challenge the notion that women could not direct big-budget, commercially successful films, and her influence continues to be felt today.
Penny Marshall’s Signature Style
One of the hallmarks of Penny Marshall’s directing style was her ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion. Whether she was directing comedy, drama, or sports films, Marshall had a unique ability to create characters that felt both authentic and relatable. She wasn’t afraid to tackle difficult subject matter but always did so with a sense of humor and humanity.
Marshall’s films often focused on themes of friendship, perseverance, and personal growth. Her characters were often flawed but always striving to become better, and audiences resonated with the universal experiences depicted in her films. Whether it was the journey of a young boy in Big or the struggle of female baseball players in A League of Their Own, Penny Marshall’s storytelling captured the hearts of viewers around the world.
Continuing Influence on Film and Television
Even after stepping away from directing in the mid-2000s, Penny Marshall’s influence continued to reverberate through Hollywood. Directors like Ava DuVernay and Nancy Meyers have cited her work as an inspiration, and the doors she opened for women in the film industry have had a lasting impact on Hollywood. Marshall’s legacy is felt in the work of filmmakers who continue to tackle themes of personal growth, resilience, and female empowerment.
Is Penny Marshall Still Alive? Health and Current Status
Penny Marshall’s Passing
As of 2025, Penny Marshall tragically passed away on December 17, 2018, at the age of 75. Her death was due to complications from diabetes, a condition she had battled for years. Her passing was met with an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and friends in the entertainment industry, who remembered her for her comedic brilliance, her pioneering work as a female director, and her warm, approachable personality.
Marshall’s death marked the end of an era for Hollywood, and many expressed sorrow over the loss of such a trailblazing figure. However, her contributions to film and television will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and actors for years to come.
Legacy of Health Advocacy
Throughout her later years, Penny Marshall had been an advocate for health issues, particularly those related to diabetes. She used her platform to raise awareness of the condition and to encourage others to take control of their health. Marshall’s open discussion of her struggles with diabetes inspired many to address their own health challenges and to live healthier lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Penny Marshall still alive?
No, Penny Marshall passed away on December 17, 2018, due to complications from diabetes.
2. What were some of Penny Marshall’s most famous films?
Penny Marshall is best known for directing Big (1988) and A League of Their Own (1992), both of which became major box-office hits and are considered classics in their respective genres.
3. What was Penny Marshall’s impact on women in Hollywood?
Penny Marshall broke barriers as one of the first women to direct commercially successful films, paving the way for future female directors in Hollywood.
4. What was Penny Marshall’s directing style?
Penny Marshall was known for blending humor with heartfelt emotion, often focusing on themes of personal growth, friendship, and perseverance in her films.
5. Did Penny Marshall continue to work in Hollywood after her directing career?
While Penny Marshall stepped away from directing in the 2000s, her influence continued to be felt through the work of future filmmakers who were inspired by her achievements and storytelling style.
Conclusion
Penny Marshall’s life and career have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. From her iconic role as Laverne in Laverne & Shirley to her groundbreaking work as a director, Marshall carved out a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. Though she passed away in 2018, Penny Marshall’s influence remains alive in her films and the doors she opened for women in Hollywood. Her unique ability to tell stories with humor and heart has made her one of the most beloved figures in entertainment history, and her contributions will be remembered for generations to come.