Pretty Woman Director Garry Marshall Has Passed Away At 81

Stars have been quick to pay tribute to writer-director Garry Marshall, who has died, aged 81.

Known for his deft touch with comedy and romance, Marshall was the creative force behind a string of TV hits that included Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley, as well as the box-office successes Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride.

Marshall died Tuesday in at a hospital in Burbank, California of complications from pneumonia after having a stroke, his publicist Michelle Bega said in a statement.

I'm heartbroken. My mentor and 2nd father has passed. #GarryMarshall pic.twitter.com/Gpn7beNJyu

— Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) July 20, 2016

RIP #GarryMarshall will miss that talented one

— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) July 20, 2016

Oh man, this is a tough one. Honored I spent time with this kind man. My love to his wife and family. #garrymarshall pic.twitter.com/COetJYtqMz

— Topher Grace (@TopherGrace) July 20, 2016

"There is nothing we won't try
Never heard the word impossible
This time there's no stopping us
We're gonna do it" #RIP #GarryMarshall

— Sherri Shepherd (@SherriEShepherd) July 20, 2016

Marshall, brother of actress-director Penny Marshall, earned a degree in journalism from Northwestern University and worked at the New York Daily News. But he found he was better at writing punchlines.

Read Garry's full story at nzherald.co.nz