Marshall, whose brother was producer and director Garry Marshall, grew up in the Bronx. She first became known from starring on the hit show "Happy Days" as Laverne DeFazio, a role that she reprised in the "Laverne & Shirley" spin-off that aired from 1976-1983. After her television success, she went on to direct such projects as "Jumpin' Jack Flash", "Big", "A League of Their Own", "Awakenings", "Renaissance Man", "Riding in Cars with Boys", and "The Preacher's Wife". "Big" became a record-breaking film for Marshall, as it was the first film directed by a woman to gross more than $100 million.
She was married twice. From her first marriage, she had a daughter named Tracy. Her second marriage was to actor/director Rob Reiner who grew up with her. Reiner commented on Marshall's passing, saying, "I loved Penny. I grew up with her. She was born with a great gift. She was born with a funnybone and the instinct of how to use it. I was very lucky to have lived with her and her funnybone. I will miss her."
Marshall is survived by her daughter Tracy, sister Ronny, and three grandchildren.
