Rosie O’Donnell And More Stars React To Penny Marshall’s Death: ‘Simply Heartbroken’

Dec 18, 2018 3:07 pm

By Julia Birkinbine

Rest in peace, Penny Marshall. Today, the world is mourning the loss of the beloved Laverne & Shirley star who sadly died at age 75 in her Hollywood Hills, CA home on Monday, Dec. 17. “Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall,” the Marshall family said in a statement to Closer Weekly following her death from complications of diabetes.

After the news of Penny’s passing was revealed, many of the actress’ famous friends and fans took to social media to pay tribute to the late star. Scroll down to read celebrities’ emotional reactions to Penny’s death.

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Rosie O’Donnell

“Simply heartbroken,” Rosie captioned a clip of herself and Penny starring in a 1996 Kmart commercial together.

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Bette Midler

“The Marshall family grieves again as the great #PennyMarshall dies at age 75. What an extraordinary family they were and continue to be, and how much love and sympathy my family and I send their way. The end of an era,” Bette wrote on Twitter.

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Billy Crystal

“Sad to hear of Penny Marshall’s passing. A great comedienne, a terrific director, and a dear friend,” Billy wrote on Twitter.

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Ron Howard

“#RIPPennyMarshall. She was funny and so smart. She made the transition from sitcom star to A-List movie director with ease and had a major impact on both mediums. All that and always relaxed, funny, and totally unpretentious. I was lucky to have known and worked with her,” Ron tweeted.

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Kathy Griffin

“Penny Marshall was a loyal friend, a pioneer for women in film, and [a] true supporter of women in the industry. Rest in Peace, my friend,” Kathy wrote on Twitter.

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Rob Reiner

“I loved Penny. I grew up with her. She was born with a great gift. She was born with a funnybone and the instinct of how to use it. I was very lucky to have lived with her and her funnybone. I will miss her,” Penny’s second ex-husband, Rob, wrote on Twitter.

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Jackée Harry

“Penny Marshall was a trailblazer. Like so many others, she inspired me to join the [Directors Guild of America] and to begin to change what was once a man’s landscape. Because of her, stories of women will forever be told. Her story will never be forgotten,” Jackée tweeted.

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William Shatner

“Condolences to the family of Penny Marshall. She was a true treasure!” William tweeted.

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George Takei

“Penny Marshall brought us great laughter and truly broke new ground as a director. Neither a schlemiel, nor ever a schlimazel, she shall be missed by her many fans. Rest in peace,” George wrote on Twitter.

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Ava DuVernay

“Thank you, Penny Marshall. For the trails you blazed. The laughs you gave. The hearts you warmed,” Ava tweeted.

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Vincent D’Onofrio

“I was invited by Penny Marshall to her house one afternoon to talk about a film she was doing. She was so kind to me. She was so smart and funny. I will never forget that afternoon. My heart goes out to her family and friends,” Vincent wrote on Twitter.

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Katie Couric

“I’m so sad to hear about the passing of Penny Marshall. #RestInPeace,” Katie wrote on Twitter.

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