The film industry is reeling from one of its biggest losses in 2018 after Emmy award-winning actress, pioneering film director and producer Penny Marshall died on Monday (Dec. 17) at age 75.
Marshall’s work and connection to the Hip Hop community apparently resonates just as deep.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Hollywood icon passed away in her Hollywood Hills home after suffering from complications with diabetes. She was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer in 2009.
As the sister of Hollywood juggernaut Garry Marshall, Penny was famous for her snarky demeanor and one-liner jokes, laidback drawl and as a die-hard sports fan who was frequently spotted on televised NBA and MLB games.
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The outpouring of condolences and shared memories of the Bronx, New York native came from several Hip Hop legends including Russell Simmons, Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Snoop Dogg, film director Ava DuVernay, Bow Wow and Crazy Legs of the Rocky Steady Crew on social media.
Many of these Hip Hop luminaries spoke about their personal connection and influence from Marshall’s memorable acting role in 1970s hit TV comedy sitcom Laverne & Shirley.
She also launched the acting career of former rapper Mark Wahlberg when she recruited him for her 1993 film Renaissance Man after she discovered his Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch music video “Good Vibrations” in 1992.
Marshall earned critical acclaim for directing feature films such as Jumpin’ Jack Flash and earned Golden Globe and Oscar-nominations for her films A League Of Their Own, Awakenings and Big.
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With the latter film, Marshall became the first female director to gross over $100 million at the box office in 1988.
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