Legendary actress and director Penny Marshall passed away on Monday at the age of 75.
"Penny was a girl from the Bronx, who came out West, put a cursive "L" on her sweater and transformed herself into a Hollywood success story," a representative for her family said in a statement to ABC News on Tuesday.
"We hope her life continues to inspire others to spend time with family, work hard and make all of their dreams come true," the statement continued.
Marshall played Laverne DeFazio on "Laverne & Shirley" from 1976-83, earning three Golden Globe nominations throughout her time on the show.
(MORE: Penny Marshall dead at 75 due to complications from diabetes)Her groundbreaking directorial achievements also made a tremendous impact on the film industry.
Marshall became the first female to direct a film that grossed over $100 million with 1988's "Big," which starred Tom Hanks and also earned him a Golden Globe award.
Her 1992 film "A League of Their Own" also grossed over $100 million.
In addition to being the second movie that crossed the coveted 100 million dollar mark, the all-female baseball movie was clearly ahead of its time in the '90s.
In a 3-star review from famed film critic Roger Ebert about this game-changing film, he said, "Marshall shows her women characters in a tug-of-war between new images and old values, and so her movie is about transition - about how it felt as a woman suddenly to have new roles and freedom."
Her 1990 film "Awakenings," starring Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, made her the second female director to earn an Oscar nominee for best picture in 1991.
"Penny was a trailblazer who made a tremendous contribution to the film and television industry and to American culture," said Kirsten Schaffer, executive director of Women In Film Los Angeles, a group that advocates for women working in the film industry, in a statement to ABC News.
Marshall received the 1991 Women In Film Crystal Award and is featured in the WIF Legacy Series for her work as a proponent of women in film and television.
"She used comedy to bring us depictions of women who were fiercely independent, sometimes flawed, yet totally lovable," the statement continued. "She paved the way for future generations of women to make the transition from actor to director, and in doing so expanded the breadth of stories told by and about women."
Tributes from figures in the film industry and fans appeared on Twitter when the news of her death broke on Tuesday.
Tom Hanks wrote a heartfelt message about his friend and former director on Twitter.
Goodbye, Penny. Man, did we laugh a lot! Wish we still could. Love you. Hanx.
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) December 18, 2018
Director and screenwriter Ava DuVernay thanked the icon for her tremendous impact.
Thank you, Penny Marshall. For the trails you blazed. The laughs you gave. The hearts you warmed. pic.twitter.com/7qPKJa6ApH
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) December 18, 2018
Actor Rob Reiner, who was married to Marshall from 1971 to 1981, said she was "born with a funnybone and the instinct of how to use it," in a tweet.
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.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) December 18, 2018
Rosie O'Donnell, who starred in Marshall's 1992 film "A League of Their Own," expressed her devastation on Twitter. She attached a commercial the two starred in together in 1996.
1996 Kmart TV Commercial with Penny Marshall and Rosie O'Donnell https://t.co/XHOgyrCBhs via @YouTube - simply heartbroken #ripPENNY
— ROSIE (@Rosie) December 18, 2018
Acclaimed director Ron Howard said Marshall, "made the transition from sitcom star to A List movie director with ease & had a major impact on both mediums," in a statement on Twitter.
#RIPPennyMarshall She was funny & so smart. She made the transition from sitcom star to A List movie director with ease & had a major impact on both mediums. All that & always relaxed, funny & totally unpretentious. I was lucky to have known & worked with her. https://t.co/pf2kfIkCH4
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) December 18, 2018
"Big Bang Theory" star Mayim Bialik said she grew up wanting to be like Marshall.
I grew up wanting to be as funny as Penny Marshall, and had the pleasure of meeting her a few times. Watch some old Laverne and Shirley to see why her brother Garry insisted on casting her. Comedy gold, she was. ?? pic.twitter.com/DhP10j7m8s
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) December 18, 2018
Mark Walberg shared a tribute to Marshall on Twitter.
Rest in peace, Penny. Such a wonderful, funny and talented lady. Without her support and encouragement, I would not be where I am today. She will be missed. ?? #PennyMarshall pic.twitter.com/F9ksywXYuG
— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) December 18, 2018
Danny DeVito said she had a "heart of gold."
Penny Marshall was a sweet woman. I was very fortunate to spend time with her. So many laughs. She had a heart of gold. Tough as nails. She could play round ball with the best of them. Always All love, D
— Danny DeVito (@DannyDeVito) December 18, 2018
William Shatner said Marshall was a "true treasure."
Condolences to the family of Penny Marshall. She was a true treasure! ?? pic.twitter.com/BtM46dAnYq
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 18, 2018
"Star Trek" actor George Takei said she "truly broke new ground as a director."
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 Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 18, 2018
Acclaimed actor James Woods called Marshall a "remarkable talent."
I am absolutely devastated. #PennyMarshall was one of my dearest friends. I loved her. Funny, warm, a true individual and remarkable talent. #RidingInCarsWithBoys
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) December 18, 2018
Many noted characters from her lengthy list of guest spots on television shows throughout her career.
Fun fact: Penny Marshall was the first-ever celebrity guest star on The Simpsons. She played a sinister babysitter in what was supposed to be the show’s pilot, but it came back with animation issues and instead became the first season finale.
— Andy Herren (@AndyHerren) December 18, 2018
RIP to a true talent. pic.twitter.com/R77oDpq5g2
Barbara Eden, the star of '60s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie," expressed her condolences on the platform.
I just heard of Penny Marshall's passing. I was such and admirer of hers, such talent she had. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and fans. She and her wonderful brother are reunited. -Barbara
— Barbara Eden (@Barbara_Eden) December 18, 2018
Actress Olivia Munn commended her incredible directorial accomplishments.
Penny Marshall was one of the most important trailblazers. Her comedic talents brought success & fame, but she truly broke the mold w her directing- Big, Awakenings, A League of Their Own- becoming the first woman to direct a movie that grossed $100+ mil. ?? Rest in love, PM ????
— Olivia Munn (@oliviamunn) December 18, 2018
Actress and director Regina King thanked Marshall "for blazing trails."
This one really hit me hard. One of the best to ever do it. From the Boogie Down but always repped LA too #clipperlover Thank you Penny for blazing trails and sharing your talents. You… https://t.co/Pf7H5PrJwH
— Regina King (@ReginaKing) December 18, 2018
Actor Josh Gad acknowledged the strides she made for women in film.
At a time when men dominated, #pennymarshall broke barriers as a director, giving us hit after hit. A League of their Own, Awakenings, & Big aren’t simply great movies. They r classics made by a director who was simultaneously setting up shots while breaking down walls. RIP
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) December 18, 2018
Larry King paid tribute to Marshall in a statement on Twitter.
So saddened by Penny Marshall's passing. Her work entertained us for years — what a remarkable woman! One thing I'll always remember about Penny — & maybe some people don't know this — she had one of the best sports memorabilia collections I've ever seen. RIP, Penny Marshall.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) December 18, 2018
Filmmaker Kevin Smith wrote about her influence as well.
Farewell to the lady I imitated as a kid before becoming her neighbor years later, legendary sitcom star and BIG director Penny Marshall. I got to tell Penny that LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN is one of my favorite films when we recorded 4 epic podasts at my house: https://t.co/h7HU9poX7D https://t.co/B7qorn7ZAj
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) December 18, 2018
