July 19, 2016
Los Angeles – Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay made the following statement upon learning of the passing of Garry Marshall:
"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. As the architect of some of the longest-running situation comedies in television history – from The Lucy Show and The Dick Van Dyke Show, to Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley, to Mork & Mindy and The Odd Couple – he’s left an unforgettable mark on the medium, a blueprint that many have tried to replicate throughout the decades. That mark continued at the movies with Pretty Woman, Beaches, The Princess Diaries and New Year’s Eve to name just a few of his many, many hits. 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. 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."
DGA Service and Awards:
Marshall served on the DGA’s National Board from 2007-2013 and has continuously served on the Western Directors Council since being first elected in 2001.
Link to video of Garry Marshall’s DGA Visual History:
http://www.dga.org/Craft/VisualHistory/Interviews/Garry-Marshall.aspx