Penny Marshall was an American actress, director, and producer whose work left a permanent mark on both television and Hollywood cinema. She was best known for her role as Laverne DeFazio on the hit sitcom Laverne & Shirley and for directing some of the most successful and beloved films of the late 20th century, including Big and A League of Their Own. Penny Marshall also had a significant personal and professional association with filmmaker Rob Reiner, to whom she was married for a decade.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Carole Penny Marshall
- Profession: Actress, Film Director, Producer
- Date of Birth: October 15, 1942
- Date of Death: December 17, 2018
- Age at Death: 75
- Birthplace: Bronx, New York City, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Jewish-American
- Known For: Laverne & Shirley, Big, A League of Their Own
Early Life & Background
Penny Marshall was born in the Bronx, New York, into a family deeply rooted in entertainment. Her father, Anthony Marshall, was a film director and producer, and her mother, Marjorie Marshall, was a tap dance teacher.
She grew up in a performance-oriented household alongside her older brother, Garry Marshall, who later became a legendary television creator and film director. This creative environment played a major role in shaping Penny Marshall’s instincts for comedy, storytelling, and character-driven work.
Association With Rob Reiner
Penny Marshall was married to Rob Reiner from 1971 to 1981. At the time, both were rising figures in television—Marshall through Laverne & Shirley and Reiner through All in the Family. Their marriage placed them at the center of a highly creative era in American television.
Although their marriage ended in divorce, they remained connected through shared history and family ties. Together, they adopted Tracy Reiner, who later appeared in several well-known Hollywood films.
Acting Career
Marshall rose to fame as Laverne DeFazio on Laverne & Shirley, one of the highest-rated sitcoms of the 1970s. Her comedic timing, expressive physical comedy, and working-class charm made her a television icon.
Before that success, she appeared on The Odd Couple and other television programs, steadily building a reputation as a reliable comedic performer.
Career as a Director
Penny Marshall transitioned from acting to directing and became one of the most successful female filmmakers in Hollywood history. She directed Big (1988), starring Tom Hanks, which became the first film directed by a woman to gross more than $100 million at the box office.
She followed with Awakenings (1990) and A League of Their Own (1992), both praised for emotional depth, strong performances, and mainstream appeal. Her films consistently emphasized human connection, warmth, and character over spectacle.
Personal Life
Penny Marshall was known for her straightforward personality, strong work ethic, and loyalty to family. She remained closely connected to her brother Garry Marshall throughout her life and was deeply involved in her daughter Tracy Reiner’s upbringing.
Despite her success, she was widely regarded as down-to-earth and approachable within the industry.
Death
Penny Marshall died on December 17, 2018, at the age of 75. Her passing was widely mourned across Hollywood, with tributes highlighting her role as a trailblazer for women in directing and her lasting influence on popular culture.
Trivia & Facts
- She starred as Laverne DeFazio on Laverne & Shirley
- She directed Big, Awakenings, and A League of Their Own
- She was the first woman to direct a $100M-grossing film
- She was married to Rob Reiner from 1971 to 1981
- She was the sister of filmmaker Garry Marshall
FAQs About Penny Marshall
Who was Penny Marshall?
Penny Marshall was an American actress and director best known for Laverne & Shirley and for directing Big and A League of Their Own.
Was Penny Marshall married to Rob Reiner?
Yes. Penny Marshall and Rob Reiner were married from 1971 to 1981.
Was Penny Marshall related to Rob Reiner by blood?
No. They were married but not related by family.
What films did Penny Marshall direct?
Her most famous films include Big, Awakenings, and A League of Their Own.
When did Penny Marshall die?
She passed away on December 17, 2018.
