Legendary Garry Marshall, the genius behind popular hits like Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and Pretty Woman, made a memorable appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show. The talk show host welcomed the legendary filmmaker and TV producer, who was in high spirits despite his recent hip replacement surgery.
Ellen couldn’t help but joke about the possibility of one of them tumbling down the stairs during the show, considering Garry’s recent surgery. Garry, with a playful smile, shared that his new hip was only a year old and felt like that of a one-year-old child. He even demonstrated his newfound mobility, jokingly warning Ellen not to bump into him.
When Ellen asked about his recovery time, Garry revealed that it took about 10 to 12 weeks before he could fully walk and play sports again. Ellen jokingly suggested getting two new hips instead of one, but Garry admitted that it was a bit painful and opted for just one replacement.
Garry also shared some exciting news about his upcoming involvement in a film called “Lucky 13,” directed by his son. Explaining the unconventional choice of being nude in the movie, Garry teased that his new hip might have influenced his decision. He humorously admitted that his son’s direction to be nude was part of the character he played, a hippie grandfather who goes skinny dipping with his girlfriend.
Ellen couldn’t help but dig deeper into the nudity topic, asking if Garry had to wear any cover-ups during the filming. Garry shared his experience of directing nude scenes before and jokingly revealed that tape was used, but not on himself. He cheekily explained that while women use tape on their nipples, men have their own methods to avoid being seen on camera.
Moving on to another exciting project, Garry spoke about his sister Penny Marshall, who he gave her first break in television. He shared the story of how his mother urged him to help Penny find a job, resulting in her appearance on an episode of “The Odd Couple.” This opportunity eventually led to her career-defining role in “Laverne & Shirley.”
Garry also revealed the inspiration behind the characters of Laverne and Shirley, explaining that they were based on real-life tough girls from his youth who had a sweeter side. With his sister Penny’s talent, Garry successfully created relatable and beloved characters on “Happy Days” and later gave them their own spin-off.
Ellen and Garry discussed his love for hats, which is often visible in his films. Garry mentioned that he loves hats but struggles to find ones that fit his small head, often resorting to wearing children’s sizes. Ellen jokingly noted that if she ever directs a movie, she’ll make sure not to have any hats so Garry can be involved.
Towards the end of the conversation, Ellen expressed her desire to work with Garry, citing his reputation for creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere on set. Garry revealed his secret to maintaining a positive environment: he organizes parades during filming. These parades bring the cast and crew together, fostering camaraderie and eliminating any underlying tensions. Garry enthused about the joy of having everyone participate and even shared a heartwarming anecdote from the set of “Runaway Bride.”
As the interview concluded, Ellen thanked Garry for his delightful presence and invited him to return for future conversations. The audience, lucky to be present for this special episode, received a free copy of Princess Diaries 2, a film Garry had worked on. Garry’s infectious energy and remarkable career left a lasting impression on viewers, reaffirming his status as a true legend in the entertainment industry.
Originally aired on December 8, 2004
