Penny Marshall poses for "Laverne & Shirley" publicity shots in December 1975.
Penny Marshall, in pictures
Penny Marshall poses for "Laverne & Shirley" publicity shots in December 1975.
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Updated 4:50 PM EST, Tue December 18, 2018

With the 1988 comedy "Big," Penny Marshall became the first woman in history to direct a movie that grossed more than $100 million.

She went on to direct other films such as "A League of Their Own," "Awakenings," "Renaissance Man" and "The Preacher's Wife."

But Marshall might be best known for her breakthrough role as Laverne DeFazio on the TV show "Laverne & Shirley," which ran from 1976-1983.

Marshall died Monday, December 17, at the age of 75.

"Penny was a girl from the Bronx, who came out West, put a cursive 'L' on her sweater and transformed herself into a Hollywood success story," said Michelle Bega, a family spokeswoman. "We hope her life continues to inspire others to spend time with family, work hard and make all of their dreams come true."

Marshall's acting career began in the late 1960s. She grew up in New York and moved out to Los Angeles, where her older brother Garry had been writing for shows such as "The Lucy Show" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show."
Marshall's acting career began in the late 1960s. She grew up in New York and moved out to Los Angeles, where her older brother Garry had been writing for shows such as "The Lucy Show" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show."
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Marshall is joined by Rob Reiner, left, and Carl Gottlieb on an episode of "Getting Together" in 1971. She married Reiner that year.
Marshall is joined by Rob Reiner, left, and Carl Gottlieb on an episode of "Getting Together" in 1971. She married Reiner that year.
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Marshall got her first steady TV role on "The Odd Couple." She played Myrna Turner from 1972-1974.
Marshall got her first steady TV role on "The Odd Couple." She played Myrna Turner from 1972-1974.
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Marshall and her husband, Rob Reiner, attend the Emmy Awards in 1972. The two were married for a decade.
Marshall and her husband, Rob Reiner, attend the Emmy Awards in 1972. The two were married for a decade.
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Marshall, left, played Laverne DeFazio on the hit show "Laverne & Shirley." Shirley was played by Cindy Williams, right. The show, a spinoff from "Happy Days," featured two characters who worked at a beer brewery in Milwaukee.
Marshall, left, played Laverne DeFazio on the hit show "Laverne & Shirley." Shirley was played by Cindy Williams, right. The show, a spinoff from "Happy Days," featured two characters who worked at a beer brewery in Milwaukee.
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Marshall, left, and co-star Williams in December 1975. Marshall's role as the outspoken tomboy Laverne catapulted her to celebrity in the late '70s. Her gift for physical comedy helped earn her accolades, including three Golden Globe nominations.
Marshall, left, and co-star Williams in December 1975. Marshall's role as the outspoken tomboy Laverne catapulted her to celebrity in the late '70s. Her gift for physical comedy helped earn her accolades, including three Golden Globe nominations.
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Marshall appears on "The Tonight Show" with her husband Rob Reiner, who was filling in for Johnny Carson in 1977.
Marshall appears on "The Tonight Show" with her husband Rob Reiner, who was filling in for Johnny Carson in 1977.
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Marshall, as Laverne, appears on an episode of "Mork & Mindy" in 1978. Henry Winkler, left, was in his iconic role as the Fonz from "Happy Days." At right is Robin Williams as Mork.
Marshall, as Laverne, appears on an episode of "Mork & Mindy" in 1978. Henry Winkler, left, was in his iconic role as the Fonz from "Happy Days." At right is Robin Williams as Mork.
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Marshall makes herself comfortable at a supermarket during a "Laverne & Shirley" episode in 1979.
Marshall makes herself comfortable at a supermarket during a "Laverne & Shirley" episode in 1979.
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Cindy Williams and Marshall make an impression in cement after taping a "Laverne & Shirley" episode in 1979.
Cindy Williams and Marshall make an impression in cement after taping a "Laverne & Shirley" episode in 1979.
Lennox McLendon/AP
Marshall moved behind the camera in 1986. Her first film as a director was "Jumpin' Jack Flash" starring Whoopi Goldberg.
Marshall moved behind the camera in 1986. Her first film as a director was "Jumpin' Jack Flash" starring Whoopi Goldberg.
Twentieth Century Fox
Marshall and actor Tom Hanks speak on the set of her second film, "Big." The comedy grossed over $100 million.
Marshall and actor Tom Hanks speak on the set of her second film, "Big." The comedy grossed over $100 million.
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Williams is joined by actors Robin Williams, left, and Robert DeNiro at the premiere of their film "Awakenings" in 1990.
Williams is joined by actors Robin Williams, left, and Robert DeNiro at the premiere of their film "Awakenings" in 1990.
DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Marshall works with Lori Petty, left, and Geena Davis on the set of the 1992 film "A League of Their Own." It also grossed more than $100 million.
Marshall works with Lori Petty, left, and Geena Davis on the set of the 1992 film "A League of Their Own." It also grossed more than $100 million.
John Biever/Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock
Marshall and Mark Wahlberg on the set of the 1994 movie "Renaissance Man." It was Wahlberg's first big-screen role.
Marshall and Mark Wahlberg on the set of the 1994 movie "Renaissance Man." It was Wahlberg's first big-screen role.
Ron Batzdorff/Cinergi/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock
Marshall and Cindy Williams receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.
Marshall and Cindy Williams receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.
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Marshall, second from right, joins Cindy Williams, Jennette McCurdy and Ariana Grande on a 2013 episode of "Sam & Cat."
Marshall, second from right, joins Cindy Williams, Jennette McCurdy and Ariana Grande on a 2013 episode of "Sam & Cat."
Nickelodeon
Marshall attends a "Saturday Night Live" anniversary celebration in 2015.
Marshall attends a "Saturday Night Live" anniversary celebration in 2015.
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