Garry Marshall truly was one of the most beloved people in Hollywood.
Soon after news broke Tuesday night that he had died at the age of 81, tributes flooded Twitter as the biggest names in movies and TV shared their favorite memories of the entertainment icon.
Henry Winkler, who got his first big break in Marshall’s classic sitcom “Happy Days,” thanked the director and producer for his acting career.
“Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty, friendship and generosity,” The Fonz star wrote. His co-star Scott Baio described Marshall as “my mentor and 2nd father.”
While Rob Lowe credits Marshall not only for giving him a job as a struggling teenage actor, but also for hiring his wife as a makeup artist. “He changed our lives. And MANY others,” the former Brat Packer tweeted.
Others simply thanked him — for being him.
“Garry Marshall was as sweet as he was generous and he told a great story. He will be missed,” late-night host Seth Meyers wrote.
Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay also released a statement praising Marshall upon hearing the tragic news:
“The loss today of Garry Marshall is deeply sad — for our industry, and for our Guild. Garry’s gift for storytelling brought joy, laughter and an enormous, beating heart to every screen, large and small. When describing the type of stories he chose to tell, Garry once said: ‘I try to find scripts of stories that kinda celebrate the human condition… let’s talk about the tough world out there and the human spirit overcoming adversity.’ And that indefatigable optimism came through in everything he touched … he’s left an unforgettable mark on the medium, a blueprint that many have tried to replicate throughout the decades,” he said.
“The winner of too many industry awards to count, his legacy lingers in the echoing laughter in so many living rooms and theaters. But the vision, joy and camaraderie Garry brought to life didn’t stop behind the camera. He channeled his love for the craft of directing into serving our Guild — dedicating himself to protecting the creative rights of directors, as well as teaching newer generations of directors how hard-fought the DGA’s journey has been, and the importance of carrying it forward. All the while, he kept us all smiling — no mean feat,” the DGA president continued. “It was an honor, and a delight, for all of us who had the pleasure of serving alongside of him.
“Our hearts go out to his wife, Barbara, his sister, director Penny Marshall, his son, director Scott Marshall, his daughters, and all his family and loved ones.”
The entertainment veteran had directed, produced and starred in films and TV shows since the late ’50s.
His countless notable movies included “Pretty Woman,” “Beaches” “The Princess Diaries” and, most recently, “Mother’s Day.”
On the small screen, Marshall was behind countless classic series such as “Laverne & Shirley,” “Mork & Mindy” and “The Odd Couple.”
See a selection of the countless tweets and tributes below.
GARRY MARSHALL Rest In Peace .. Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty , friendship and generosity .
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) July 20, 2016
I'm heartbroken. My mentor and 2nd father has passed. #GarryMarshall pic.twitter.com/Gpn7beNJyu
— Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) July 20, 2016
Garry Marshall was as sweet as he was generous and he told a great story. He will be missed.
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) July 20, 2016
Garry Marshall hired me at 15 years old. He gave my wife her start at 18, as a makeup artist. He changed our lives. And MANY others. #love
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) July 20, 2016
We lost one of the all time greatest tonight. My dear friend, Garry Marshall, has passed away. My deepest thoughts to Barbara & the family.
— Tony Danza (@TonyDanza) July 20, 2016
Garry Marshall, I am forever indebted to you. Thank you for taking a chance on me. I love you. On the wings on Angels, rest now.
— Sarah Paulson (@MsSarahPaulson) July 20, 2016
The world has lost a great man, a comedy icon and a wonderful friend.
Rest in peace Garry Marshall.— bob saget (@bobsaget) July 20, 2016
Garry Marshall gave me one of the best experiences I ever had in my career. Thanks pal. RIP
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) July 20, 2016
Had the pleasure of meeting Garry Marshall two years ago through CBS- what a legend. Thank you for the laughs.
— Ari Stidham (@AriStidham) July 20, 2016
RIP Uncle Garry what a sugar pop of a man xx i love u forever #GarryMarshall
— loripetty (@loripetty) July 20, 2016
To paraphrase the great @AlbertBrooks, Garry Marshall had heart. #RIPhttps://t.co/aYf9jTyoQd
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) July 20, 2016
I always wanted to date #theFonz & to this day I'm still in love w @hwinkler4real … thank you for that #GarryMarshall #RIP #HappyDays
— Sherri Shepherd (@sherrieshepherd) July 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/TheOrlandoJones/status/755596071112355840
R.I.P. Garry Marshall. A great, great guy and the best casino boss in the history of film. #lostinamerica
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) July 20, 2016
RIP to one of Northwestern's finest, the wonderful Garry Marshall. #PeppyandCheap https://t.co/VKE0nmmExR
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) July 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/thefredsavage/status/755607072490790913
https://twitter.com/thefredsavage/status/755611100532576256
Thanks to @TVLand, I got a chance to work with #GarryMarshall this year & thank him for making my childhood better. pic.twitter.com/D2cQsDuN1t
— David Wild (@Wildaboutmusic) July 20, 2016
Convention, politics, whatever–40 years ago tonight I was almost surely glued to the TV watching Happy Days. RIP Garry Marshall.
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) July 20, 2016
RIP #GarryMarshall will miss that talented one
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) July 20, 2016
#RIP Garry Marshall. He's pictured with his wife, Barbara, at the Mother's Day premiere in April. pic.twitter.com/YEQm0UGBI4
— TCL Chinese Theatres (@ChineseTheatres) July 20, 2016