Complications of diabetes. Yep, 'Laverne & Shirley' is a classic. I actually never really cared for 'Happy Days' all that much to be honest. 'Laverne & Shirley' was wholesome, sometimes corny, but very relatable. Two working class women in a dead end factory job fighting to pay the rent and find Mr. Right. Michael McKean, lol. RIP, Penny. She said not long ago that she wanted her epitaph to just say Laverne. Haha.
A spokeswoman for the family said "We hope her life continues to inspire others to spend time with family, work hard and make all of their dreams come true." That last phrase should provoke more than a few people to break out into song. Big and A League of Their Own were excellent movies. I do have to say, however, that I was a bigger fan of Happy Days than of Laverne and Shirley. RIP.
I always wondered why Penny and Rob Reiner split up. Not that I'm into celebrity gossip (I'm not), but you'd think that would have been a lasting match. I forgot that they grew up across the street from one another in the Bronx. I have a deep respect for Penny Marshall. She was a tomboy (raises hand), wasn't considered "pretty" by Hollywood standards, managed to break in, anyway, and became a well respected Director. Female Directors, it's quite a bit harder. Not piddly accomplishments by any stretch. Ya did good, as Laverne would say. I watched a bunch of L & S clips last night and it was as stupidly funny as I remember. Very I Love Lucyish. And I do indeed love Lucy. I recall hearing somewhere a long time ago that Lucille Ball was one of Penny Marshall's idols. I could certainly see that. ==> "Betty, please." Hahahaha.