Day 3 - 202 -- Major Loss to the Entertainment Industry

We lost a force of nature in the entertainment world today. Garry Marshall dominated so many television shows and movies of my formative years (and earlier and later, too). He wrote for comedians and sitcoms. He directed many movies over several decades. He produced television shows and movies. He acted in many shows including a recent appearance as Walter Madison, father of Oscar (played by Matthew Perry) in the latest iteration of The Odd Couple. He launched many careers through casting decisions including Robin Williams (Mork and Mindy) and Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman). I can't imagine what the media landscape would have been without him and it is difficult to imagine where it will go  -- but we do have his huge body of work to help guide current and future moguls.

I found it difficult to choose a favourite from the movies and sitcoms -- Mork and Mindy, Happy Days, Pretty Woman, Princess Diaries, the Lucy Show, Dick van Dyke Show and so many of the others occupy a fond place in my mind.  These contributions brought laughter and smiles to so many viewers then and now. What a gift that is -- to be able to make people laugh without being overly crass -- to help make people feel good for just a moment when their lives might be feeling off track. Luckily most of those episodes and films can be available for future viewing to relive memories or to make new ones.

The one song that kept coming to the fore may seem odd for a day of loss, though it could be a way of saying thank you for the entertainment. Enjoy!

Happy Days -- Theme Song