American filmmaker Garry Marshall, who created the hit 1970s series 'Happy Days' and directed rom-com 'Pretty Woman', has passed away at the age of 81.
In a statement his representative said, "Marshall suffered from "complications of pneumonia following a stroke at a hospital in Burbank, California," reports E! Online.
"The family requests no flowers. Donations in the name of Garry Marshall can be made to The Saban Community Clinic, formerly known as the Los Angeles Free Clinic, The Intensive Care Unit at Providence St. Joseph's Medical Center in Burbank, and Northwestern University Undergraduate Scholarship Fund," reads the statement.
The funeral services would be private and a memorial is being planned for his birthday on November 13.
Actor Henry Winkler took to Twitter to express his condolence and wrote, "Rest In Peace...Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty , friendship and generosity."
Marshall, who began his career as a joke writer for comedians such as 'Joey Bishop' and 'Phil Foster', is known for developing Neil Simon's 1965 play 'The Odd Couple' and directing 'Runaway Bride', 'Valentine's Day', 'New Year's Eve', 'Mother's Day', 'The Princess Diaries' and 'The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement'.
He is survived by his three children, Kathleen, Scott and Lori and wife Barbara Marshall.
