The simplest of things.
In the 70’s and 80’s television was the opposite of television of today in so many ways. In today’s world we love bad people, violence, sex in any form, and reality shows that aren’t real. Tastes are as shallow as a puddle in the Mohave dessert. It wasn’t always that way though.
When it was announced that iconic actress and director Penny Marshall had passed away at the age of 75 due to complications from diabetes, there was a true sadness felt around the world. A simple tom boy, who grew up to be a giant giving us entertainment that the whole family could enjoy.
Her hit show with Cindy Williams was of course Laverne & Shirley. It took television by storm with their quirky friends and honest friendship with many bumps along the way. It was innocent, fun, and made you feel good to watch it. It usually was on right after another iconic show, Happy Days. Through the innocence of the time and the overall love and compassion the characters had for one another, it allowed people to escape into a world that had a lot of craziness, but in the end was about togetherness and a feeling of belonging. From Little House on the Prairie to the Walton’s, the shows of the time made us feel good. They made us cry, laugh, and remember our own issues with friends, family and siblings. In the end though, the characters are cared about and loved.
With Marshall’s character Laverne, we all could relate to her and most of us had a friend like her. A tomboy, a little vulgar and un-lady like, who was honest and raw. It was impossible to not fall in love with her. With Cindy Williams playing the prissy and prude Shirley, they were a television team made in heaven.
Penny Marshall was far from done when Laverne & Shirley ended. With the support of her uber talented brother Garry, she directed and produced such movies as Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Big, A League of Their Own, Cinderella Man, Renaissance Man, and Awakenings. Big became the first 100 million dollar film that was directed by a woman. Each film in their own way an inspiration into the heart of people while bringing out the best in them.
Time is a cruel mistress and it takes away the people we love and those entertainers of our youth that brought us so much joy. And many times as adults, we can get through difficult situations watching shows of the past that made us laugh, cry, and dream. Penny Marshall gave us those feelings with her amazing talent. The feelings of love, honesty, compassion and kindness. That’s why we already miss her.
The simplest of things.
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