It’s been more than half a year since the passing of Penny Marshall, and her legacy continues to shine brightly in Hollywood. The beloved star of Laverne & Shirley is remembered not only for her incredible career but also for the deep connections she forged with her colleagues. One of those cherished friends, Rosie O’Donnell, recently paid tribute to Penny, acknowledging the profound impact she had on her life and career.
Remembering Penny Marshall: A Hollywood Legend
Penny Marshall, who passed away at the age of 75 due to complications from diabetes, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her career spanned decades, and her influence extended far beyond the screen. Rosie O’Donnell, a former cohost of The View, shared heartfelt memories of Penny during a stand-up performance at Orange Is the New Black star Lea DeLaria’s new bar/restaurant, The Club, located in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The event took place on Friday, July 5, and it was a moment filled with laughter, nostalgia, and gratitude.
“She really helped me throughout my career,” Rosie fondly recalled, speaking of the three-time Golden Globe nominee. “We were very close friends. We all miss her, don’t we?” These words captured the essence of their friendship and the admiration Rosie held for Penny, both as a mentor and a confidante.
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Penny's Influence on Rosie's Career
When reflecting on how Penny Marshall influenced her career, Rosie O’Donnell’s thoughts naturally turned to the iconic 1992 film A League of Their Own. This movie, which tells the fictionalized story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), showcased Rosie’s talent as the third baseman, Doris Murphy. The film also starred Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty, and Tom Hanks, making it a star-studded production that left an everlasting mark on cinema history.
“I really think my role was bigger than it should have been because I was the only actress on the set of A League of Their Own who could truly understand Penny,” Rosie explained with a laugh. “She’d ask us to perform some sort of baseball maneuver, and the other actresses would exchange confused glances. But I’d simply raise my hand and say, ‘I can do it!’ Penny would then say, ‘OK, fiiine, Rosie again!’” Rosie’s spot-on impression of Penny brought the audience to tears of laughter, highlighting the unique bond they shared.
Continuing Connections Beyond the Screen
Although Rosie and Penny didn’t star in any other projects together, their professional paths crossed again when Penny became a frequent guest on Rosie’s Emmy-winning talk show, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, which aired from 1996 to 2002. Upon hearing about Penny’s passing in 2018, Rosie expressed her sorrow on Twitter, describing herself as “simply heartbroken.”
Even in her absence, Penny remains a cherished memory for Rosie, especially when her son Blake, one of her five children, recently discovered A League of Their Own while visiting a friend’s house. “He had never seen it before and came home saying, ‘I saw you on TV and you were a teenager playing baseball?!’” Rosie joked during her comedy set, illustrating how Penny’s legacy continues to inspire new generations.
It’s clear that the friendship between Penny Marshall and Rosie O’Donnell was one for the ages—a bond built on mutual respect, shared laughter, and an unwavering appreciation for the art of storytelling. As time passes, Penny’s contributions to cinema and her impact on those fortunate enough to know her will undoubtedly endure.
