With Northwestern Roots, Garry Marshall Was 'Like A Comforting Blanket'
CHICAGO (CBS) -- He gave us the "Odd Couple and "Pretty Woman"--just two of the classics from Garry Marshall, who had deep roots in Chicago.
Marshall, 81, died Tuesday of pneumonia after suffering a stroke.
Vince Gerasole takes a look at the man's connection to his alma mater, Northwestern University.
On television, with nostalgic hits like "Happy Days" and "Laverne and Shirley," director producer and writer Garry Marshall made America laugh.
"For me growing up personally, his shows were like a comforting blanket, Northwestern University professor Dave Tolchinsky told CBS 2's Vince Gerasole.
Marshall successfully transitioned into films like "Pretty Woman and the "Princess Diaries," lighter fare with a sense of hope.
Michael Phillips, the Chicago Tribune film critic said: "Gary Marshall could almost do anything especially in the realm of comedy and in more than one medium."
The Northwestern journalism major from New York remained close to his alma mater, funding a dance studio named after his mother, and a media arts center bearing his own name.
His last visit to campus was a question and answer session just two months ago.
"Any student who wanted to talk to him or take a picture, he had advice," said Tolchinsky. "He was very wise but in a non condescending way."
Of his work, Marshall said he did the kind of stuff that kept generations smiling.
"It's familiar, satisfying and welcome and it hits the spot," said Phillips.
