Penny Marshall is remembered for her iconic portrayal of Laverne DeFazio in the popular television sitcom "Laverne & Shirley." She starred alongside Cindy Williams in the show. Unfortunately, she passed away on December 17, 2018.
Marshall had few notable relationships in her time. She had previously been married to Rob Reiner and Michael Myron Henry.
Marshall's Relationship At The Time Of Her Death
Penny Marshall was not seeing anyone at the time of her passing. She left the world on December 17, 2018, at her Hollywood Hills home. The cause of her death was complications arising from diabetes.
Penny Marshall in a Photoshoot SOURCE: Pinterest
Before her demise, Penny faced health challenges, having been diagnosed with both brain and lung cancer in 2009. She successfully fought against these illnesses and entered remission by 2012. She was 75 years old at the time of her death.
Previous Marriages
Rob Reiner
Marshall's second and final marriage was to Rob Reiner. They tied the knot on April 10, 1971. At the time of their marriage, she was 27 years old, while he was 23.
However, Penny and Rob's journey took a different turn, leading to their eventual divorce in 1981. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, both of them continued to pursue their respective careers in the entertainment industry.
Penny And Rob's Story
Penny and Rob's journey to love had an interesting beginning. Although they grew up across the street from each other in the Bronx, their paths didn't cross until later in life. It's a quirky twist that both of them auditioned for roles on the popular show "All in the Family," with him going for the part of the husband.
Penny Marshall and Rob Reiner at their wedding SOURCE: Pinterest
However, the roles didn't pan out for them, and Sally Struthers ultimately played Reiner's TV wife. Fate brought them together during her appearance on "The Odd Couple" in 1971. They collaborated again on the 1978 project "More Than Friends," a dramedy that intriguingly mirrors their own story.
The film explores the journey of two childhood friends from the Bronx who transition from friendship to a romantic relationship. It offered a parallel to Marshall and Reiner's real-life connection.
Jealousy Ended The Marriage
Marshall and Reiner faced challenges in their marriage, and jealousy led to its end. The strain surfaced when his successful series "All In the Family" was canceled. While her star continued to rise with the popularity of "Laverne and Shirley," he encountered difficulties in securing acting roles.
The contrasting trajectories of Penny and Rob's careers gave way to feelings of jealousy. It unfortunately spilled over into their home life.
Rob On His Ex-Wife Death
Reiner expressed his heartfelt emotions on Twitter upon learning about the passing of his ex-wife, Penny. In a poignant message, he conveyed his deep sadness, professing his love for his ex-wife.
Penny Marshall and Rob Reiner in More Than Friends (1978) SOURCE: Pinterest
Rob reflected on the joy of growing up with her, recognizing her innate comedic talent. He described her as being born with a "funny bone" and possessing an instinct for humor. The genuine admiration in his words showcased the fond memories and the significant impact the actress had on his life.
Michael Myron Henry
Penny Marshall's first marriage was to Michael Myron Henry, her college love. They tied the knot on November 30, 1963, and celebrated their honeymoon in a motel as they didn't have any money. The former couple eventually divorced on January 18, 1967.
Following their separation, Michael moved to Colorado and embarked on a new chapter in his life. He went on to find love again, choosing to remarry.
A Marriage Sparked By Pregnancy
Michael and Penny first crossed paths while attending college in New Mexico. In the actress' sophomore year, she met him, who was on a football scholarship. He faced disappointment when he didn't make the travel team. Struggling with feelings of depression, she empathized with his situation, and one thing led to another.
A month later, Marshall discovered she was pregnant, as per Newsweek. She was only 19 and he was a year younger at the time. It was in 1963, a time when legal abortions were not widely available in the U.S. In the face of the unexpected pregnancy, he proposed to get married. Later, they welcomed their daughter Tracy.
Past Relationships
Penny Marshall's dating history reveals a variety of relationships with notable figures in the entertainment industry. In 1982, she was romantically involved with Dan Aykroyd. Before that, she was in a relationship with Larry Breeding from 1981 to 1982.
Marshall also once connected with Art Garfunkel, the one-half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel, as mentioned in Vanity Fair. Their relationship spanned from 1980 to 1983. Additionally, she had a connection with the comedian Sam Kinison.
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