Penny Marshall | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 17, 2024

Who is Penny Marshall?

Penny Marshall was a renowned actress, director, and producer, best known for her iconic role as Laverne DeFazio on the beloved television sitcom "Laverne and Shirley." Born Carole Penny Marshall on October 15, 1943, in New York City, she grew up in the Bronx, where she was influenced by her family's connections to the entertainment industry. Her brother Garry Marshall was a prominent writer and director, while her father was a director and producer. After overcoming early career challenges, Marshall found fame on "Laverne and Shirley," which ran from 1976 to 1983 and became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing her comedic talents.

Transitioning from acting to directing, Marshall made her mark in Hollywood with a series of successful films. Her directorial debut came with "Jumpin' Jack Flash" in 1986, followed by the ground-breaking success of "Big" in 1988, which made her the first female director to gross over $100 million at the box office. Throughout her directing career, she helmed several critically acclaimed films, including "Awakenings" and "A League of Their Own," the latter of which became a classic in the sports film genre. Marshall's films often featured strong emotional themes and resonated with audiences, showcasing her deep understanding of storytelling and character development.

Early Life and Education

Born Carole Penny Marshall on October 15, 1943, in New York City, Penny Marshall spent her formative years in the Bronx, where she was raised in a creative household. Her father, Tony Marshall, was a director and producer, while her mother, Marjorie, worked as a dance teacher. The family, originally carrying the surname Marsciarelli, adopted the name Marshall before Penny’s birth, fostering a strong sense of identity tied to their Italian-American heritage. Growing up with an older brother, Garry, and sister, Ronny, both of whom would later find success in the entertainment industry, Penny was naturally influenced by the world of show business.

After graduating from Walton High School in 1960, Marshall sought to escape the confines of the Bronx. She enrolled at the University of New Mexico, majoring in math and psychology, all while working to shed her thick Bronx accent. During her college years, she fell in love with football player Michael Henry, leading to an unexpected pregnancy that prompted her to marry and leave school. This early decision to prioritize family over education set up a challenging life where she worked as a tap dancer and secretary before ultimately moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting and reconnect with her comedian brother and sister.

Television Breakthrough with Laverne and Shirley

Penny Marshall made her television breakthrough as Laverne DeFazio in the beloved sitcom "Laverne and Shirley." The show, which aired from 1976 to 1983, showcased the comedic escapades of two women working at a Milwaukee brewery. Marshall's character, Laverne, was known for her brash personality and distinctive style, quickly winning over audiences and establishing her as a television star. The series became a cultural phenomenon, blending humor with relatable themes of friendship and independence, marking a significant moment in television's portrayal of women.

Marshall’s success on "Laverne and Shirley" was not only a personal triumph but also a family affair. Her brother, Garry Marshall, created the show and played a pivotal role in her career. The series also featured contributions from other family members, including their mother, Marjorie, who wrote music for the show. This collaborative dynamic exemplified how the Marshall family effectively combined their talents in the entertainment industry, leading to a lasting legacy in television comedy. Penny's role on the series inspired a generation of female comedians and actors, solidifying her place in television history.

Career Success and Achievements in Directing

Penny Marshall’s career transitioned from a popular television actress to a successful director, marking her as a pioneering figure in Hollywood. After gaining fame as Laverne DeFazio on the hit sitcom "Laverne and Shirley," Marshall shifted her focus to directing, spurred by encouragement from her friend Whoopi Goldberg. Her directorial debut came with "Jumpin' Jack Flash" in 1985, which, despite not being a box office success, paved the way for her subsequent ventures as a filmmaker.

Marshall achieved remarkable success with "Big" (1988), making history as the first female director to gross over $100 million with a single film. Her adept storytelling and unique ability to connect with audiences were further exemplified with "Awakenings" (1990), nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award. However, it was "A League of Their Own" (1992), starring Geena Davis and Madonna, that solidified her status by also crossing the $100 million mark, making her the first woman director to achieve this with two films. Marshall's films often combined humor and heart, revealing her distinctive style and resonating deeply with audiences.

Transition to Directing and Later Films

Penny Marshall's transition to directing marked a significant turning point in her career, commencing with her first film, "Jumpin' Jack Flash," in 1986. Though the movie did not perform exceptionally at the box office, it was a vital stepping stone that propelled her into the world of film direction. Encouraged by her friend Whoopi Goldberg, Marshall embraced this new role, demonstrating her versatility beyond acting. This endeavor showcased her ability to blend humor with poignant storytelling, setting the stage for her successful future projects.

Her breakthrough came with the release of "Big" in 1988, which became a major commercial success and established Marshall as a pioneering female director. The film not only grossed over $100 million but also earned her a place in cinematic history as the first woman to achieve such a milestone. This was just the beginning of Marshall's impressive filmography. Subsequent works, including "Awakenings" and the classic "A League of Their Own," solidified her reputation as a skilled director capable of engaging audiences with emotionally resonant narratives. Through her films, she consistently showcased her unique voice, drawing viewers into heartfelt stories filled with authenticity and warmth.

Personal Life: Marriage to Rob Reiner and Children

Penny Marshall's personal life included a notable marriage to actor and director Rob Reiner. The couple tied the knot in 1971 when they were both rising stars in their respective fields—Marshall was 27 years old and Reiner was just 23. Their marriage blossomed amid their successful careers, especially with Marshall achieving fame as Laverne DeFazio on the hit series Laverne and Shirley. However, pressures from their growing careers took a toll on their relationship, leading to their divorce in 1979. Despite the split, the couple maintained a cordial relationship, partly due to their shared commitment to the entertainment industry and their mutual love for creativity.

Marshall and Reiner had one daughter, Tracy Reiner, born in 1967, who would also make her mark in Hollywood as an actress. Tracy has appeared in various films, including A League of Their Own, which was directed by her mother. Through her daughter's career and life, Marshall expressed deep pride and affection, reflecting her maternal instincts and supportive nature. Penny Marshall's experiences as a mother informed her perspective on storytelling, allowing her to weave emotional narratives in her directing, resonating with audiences around the world. Her family connections, particularly with Rob and Tracy, played a significant role in shaping both her personal and professional life.

Net Worth and Earning: Financial Success

Penny Marshall's financial success is a testament to her enduring impact in the entertainment industry. Over her illustrious career, Marshall amassed a significant net worth estimated to be around $45 million at the time of her passing in 2018. This fortune stemmed not only from her iconic role on the sitcom "Laverne and Shirley", where she earned a reported $30,000 per episode during the show's peak, but also from her transition to directing. Her 1988 film "Big" became a cultural milestone, grossing over $150 million, and marking her as a trailblazer in Hollywood as the first female director to achieve such commercial success.

Marshall's ventures extended beyond acting and directing. She produced several television shows and movies which further contributed to her wealth. Notably, her film "A League of Their Own" grossed over $132 million, solidifying her reputation as a powerful director. By the peak of her career, she had various lucrative contracts and was involved in lucrative deals that showcased her influence in the industry. Additionally, her participation in sports memorabilia collections and affiliations with the NBA's Lakers and Clippers further demonstrated her diverse interests and sound financial choices, solidifying her status as a multifaceted entrepreneur in the entertainment landscape.

FAQs

What was Penny Marshall known for?

Penny Marshall was known for her iconic role as Laverne DeFazio on the popular sitcom "Laverne and Shirley." She was also a pioneering film director, having directed hit movies such as "Big," "Awakenings," and "A League of Their Own."

When and where was Penny Marshall born?

Penny Marshall was born Carole Penny Marshall on October 15, 1943, in New York City. She grew up in the Bronx, surrounded by a family deeply involved in the entertainment industry.

What did Penny Marshall's family do?

Penny Marshall's family had a significant presence in show business. Her father, Tony Marshall, was a director and producer, while her mother, Marjorie Marshall, was a dance teacher. Her brother Garry Marshall created and wrote numerous successful TV shows, including "Happy Days" and "Laverne and Shirley."

What challenges did she face early in her career?

Marshall faced numerous challenges early in her career, including being typecast in unflattering roles for commercials and struggling to land significant acting parts after "Laverne and Shirley" ended in 1983. However, she eventually transitioned to directing, which proved to be a defining moment in her professional journey.

What was her landmark achievement in directing?

Penny Marshall made history by becoming the first female director to gross over $100 million at the box office with her film "Big" in 1988. She continued to break barriers with blockbusters such as "A League of Their Own," reinforcing her status as a leading figure in Hollywood.

How did Penny Marshall contribute to film and television?

In addition to her memorable performances and successful directing career, Penny Marshall contributed to film and television as a producer and advocate for women in the industry. Her works often featured strong female leads, showcasing the importance of representation in storytelling.

What legacy did Penny Marshall leave behind?

Penny Marshall's legacy includes her groundbreaking achievements in film direction, her beloved character on "Laverne and Shirley," and her influence as a role model for aspiring female filmmakers. Her ability to evoke emotion in storytelling continues to resonate with audiences today.