Let me tell you a story about Penny Marshall, the legendary actress and director who made her mark in Hollywood with her down-to-earth charm and infectious humor. Penny wasn’t your typical Hollywood star—she was real, relatable, and unapologetically herself. One of the first things she did when she started directing was to swap out those uncomfortable high heels for comfy sneakers. "When you're directing, your shoes are the most important thing," she once told Closer. And boy, did she mean it. "I have more Chuck Taylors than you can imagine, in every color. Adidas, Pumas, spangled ones to match my dress-up stuff—you name it," she said with a laugh.
From Dancing Lessons to Directing Blockbusters
Penny grew up in New York, surrounded by the arts. Her dad worked on industrial films, and her mom was a tap-dancing teacher, which meant young Penny spent much of her childhood learning how to dance. "My mom made me take dance lessons all through my childhood," she recalled. But it wasn't just her mom who shaped her career; her older brother Garry, who would later direct iconic films like Pretty Woman, was also a major influence. Despite this creative upbringing, Penny didn't always see herself as part of the entertainment world. "I wanted to get married and have kids," she admitted. "My dream in high school was to be a secretary."
Breaking into Show Business
Life had other plans for Penny. After a brief marriage that ended after three years, she moved to California with her daughter Tracy, following in her brother Garry's footsteps. Landing acting gigs proved tough at first. In fact, she faced rejection after rejection, even being labeled the "homely girl" in a Head & Shoulders commercial opposite Farrah Fawcett in 1972. "I grew up thinking an actress had to be beautiful," Penny confessed. "When I saw myself on screen for the first time in Love, American Style, I cried for three days straight." Yet, those early struggles only fueled her determination. Her self-effacing humor and genuine personality resonated with audiences, and soon enough, she found her footing as Oscar's gloomy but lovable secretary Myrna on The Odd Couple.
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A Star is Born: The Laverne & Shirley Era
In 1975, Penny and her writing partner Cindy Williams made a guest appearance on Happy Days, which led to their own hit series, Laverne & Shirley. The show became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing Penny's impeccable comic timing and heartfelt performances. "She was just brilliant," Cindy Williams gushed to Closer. "Even before I knew her, I admired her. I just thought, 'I like that girl. I'd like to be friends with her.'" The series ran for eight seasons, cementing Penny's place as a beloved TV star. But Penny wasn't done yet. When the show wrapped in 1983, she turned her attention to directing.
From Comedienne to Visionary Director
Penny's transition from acting to directing was nothing short of remarkable. Her first big hit as a director was the 1988 film Big, starring Tom Hanks. "Man, did we laugh a lot!" Tom recalled fondly. But Penny didn't stop there. In 1990, she became only the second woman to direct a film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars with Awakenings, a powerful drama starring Robert De Niro. Some might have seen it as a risky move for a comedian, but Penny shrugged it off. "I'll try anything," she said with her signature confidence. "What are they gonna do, kick me out of show business?"
Throughout her career, Penny remained true to herself, refusing to conform to Hollywood's often rigid expectations. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 75 from complications of diabetes, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, courage, and inspiration.
