Garry Marshall Remembered: Henry Winkler, Seth Meyers, Rob Lowe Pay Tribute

“Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty, friendship and generosity,” Winkler says in tribute to “Happy Days” creator who died Tuesday

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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.

https://twitter.com/TheOrlandoJones/status/755596071112355840

https://twitter.com/thefredsavage/status/755607072490790913

https://twitter.com/thefredsavage/status/755611100532576256

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