Garry Marshall, known for directing movies such as "Pretty Woman" and creating shows such as "Happy Days," has died at the age of 81, according to the Associated Press.
Marshall died Tuesday in at a hospital in Burbank, California of complications from pneumonia after having a stroke, his publicist Michelle Bega said in a statement.
Marshall, brother of actress-director Penny Marshall, earned a degree in journalism from Northwestern University and worked at the New York Daily News. But he found he was better at writing punchlines.
Marshall also worked in the development of such shows such as "The Odd Couple," "Laverne and Shirley" and "Mork and Mindy."
He began his entertainment career in the 1960s selling jokes to comedians, then moved to writing sketches for "The Tonight Show" with Jack Paar in New York. He caught the eye of comic Joey Bishop, who brought him to Los Angeles to write for "The Joey Bishop Show."
But what many know Marshall for his romantic comedies and movies, including "Beaches" in 1988 and "Pretty Woman" in 1990. He also had a hit with "The Princess Diaries" in 2001 and more recent successes include ensemble comedies "Valentine's Day" and "New Year's Day."
Marshall showed up in his various movies and had an acting career of his own, including a role in the James Bond film, "Goldfinger."
He used his New York accent and gruff delivery in colorful supporting roles that included a practical-minded casino boss unswayed by Albert Brooks' disastrous luck in "Lost in America" and a crass network executive in "Soapdish."
Marshall and his wife, Barbara, had three children, Lori, Kathleen and Scott.
Funeral services will be private, but a memorial is being planned for his birthday on Nov. 13, the statement said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
