Net Worth Ranker
What Is Penny Marshall’s Net Worth?
At the time of her death in December 2018, Penny Marshall, the American actress, director, and producer, had a net worth of $45 million. This net worth reflected her decades-long career in television and film, both in front of and behind the camera. Her journey began with small television roles before she achieved widespread fame.
Career Milestones and Earnings
Penny Marshall’s breakthrough role was as Laverne DeFazio in the sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” which aired from 1976 to 1983. She appeared in all 178 episodes of the series, opposite Cindy Williams as Shirley Feeney. The series was a spin-off from “Happy Days,” where Laverne and Shirley were introduced as bottle-cappers working at the fictional Shotz Brewery in Milwaukee. While specific salary details for her role in “Laverne & Shirley” aren’t publicly available, the show’s success likely contributed significantly to her early wealth accumulation.
Marshall transitioned to directing, achieving significant success with films such as “Big” (1988) and “A League of Their Own” (1992), both starring Tom Hanks. “Big” was a monumental achievement, making Penny Marshall the first female director to helm a film that grossed over $100 million at the box office. Although the exact figures Marshall earned from directing these films are not public, directors of such high-grossing movies typically receive a percentage of the film’s profits, alongside their base salary. Given the film’s financial performance, it is plausible that she garnered substantial earnings from these projects, significantly enhancing her net worth.
Other films directed by Marshall include “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1986), “Awakenings” (1990) starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, “Renaissance Man” (1994), and “Riding in Cars with Boys” (2001). While specific financial details regarding her directorial fees for these films are not publicly available, it is widely understood that successful directors like Marshall command substantial salaries and potential backend profits based on box office performance and critical acclaim. These directorial ventures undoubtedly contributed to her overall financial success and sustained her $45 million net worth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Carole Penny Marshall on October 15, 1943, in the Bronx, New York City, Penny was the daughter of Marjorie, a tap dance teacher, and Anthony, a producer and director of industrial films. Her upbringing was steeped in the arts, with her mother running the Marjorie Marshall Dance School. She had two brothers, Ronny and Garry Marshall. While specific details about her early earnings aren’t available, her initial foray into entertainment began with a Head and Shoulders shampoo commercial, playing a character described as a plain girl. In 1968, she appeared in the film “How Sweet It Is,” produced by her brother Garry. These early roles, although small, marked the beginning of her professional career.
Marshall’s early career included roles in “The Savage Seven” and “That Girl,” before securing a recurring role on “The Odd Couple,” where her brother Garry was an executive producer. She also took on roles in other films and television series such as “Evil Roy Slade,” “The Crooked Hearts,” and “Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers.” Although “Paul Sand” was short-lived, Marshall’s performance garnered positive reviews, leading to a role on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Precise salary figures for these early roles are not publicly known, these consistent appearances on television contributed to her growing income and visibility in the industry.
In 1975, Marshall and Cindy Williams were cast in an episode of “Happy Days” as Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney. Their characters resonated so well with the audience that Garry Marshall created the spin-off series “Laverne & Shirley.” While specific salary details for her role in “Laverne & Shirley” aren’t publicly available, it is known that main cast members in hit television shows typically receive substantial salaries and potential bonuses. The show’s success likely contributed significantly to her wealth accumulation during that period.
Directorial Ventures and Box Office Success
Encouraged by her brother Garry, Penny Marshall started directing during her time on “Laverne & Shirley,” directing four episodes of the series and other television work. She also directed episodes of “Working Stiffs” before transitioning to films like “Peggy Sue Got Married” (1986) and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” Her directorial career gained significant momentum with “Big” in 1988, starring Tom Hanks, which grossed over $100 million at the box office, making her the first female director to achieve this milestone. The film’s success likely translated to a significant boost in her earnings, as directors of such high-grossing films often receive a percentage of the profits in addition to their salary.
Marshall directed “Awakenings” in 1990, starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, and “A League of Their Own” in 1992, again with Tom Hanks, as well as Madonna, Geena Davis, and Rosie O’Donnell. Although specific financial details regarding her directorial fees for these films are not publicly available, it is understood that successful directors like Marshall command substantial salaries and potential backend profits based on box office performance and critical acclaim. These directorial ventures undoubtedly contributed to her overall financial success.
Other notable directorial credits include “The Preacher’s Wife” (1996), starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington, and “Riding in Cars with Boys” (2001). Her contributions to the film industry were recognized with the 1991 Women in Film Crystal Award. In the 2000s, she directed episodes of “United States of Tara” and “According to Jim.” While detailed financial figures for these later projects are not publicly accessible, they would have contributed to sustaining her income and maintaining her net worth.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout her career, Penny Marshall received several Golden Globe nominations for Best Performance in a Television Series, was nominated for a Saturn Award for her directing work in “Big,” and received the Lifetime Creative Achievement Award at the American Comedy Awards. While these awards don’t directly translate into monetary gains, they enhance a celebrity’s reputation and can lead to increased opportunities and higher earnings in future projects.
Personal Life and Real Estate
In 1963, Penny Marshall married Michael Henry, and they divorced in 1966. Five years later, she married actor and director Rob Reiner, who adopted her daughter Tracy. They divorced in 1981. While details of any financial settlements from these divorces are not public, they could have influenced her net worth at different points in her life.
While specific details about Penny Marshall’s real estate holdings are not widely available, it is common for successful entertainment industry figures to invest in real estate. Properties in Los Angeles, where she lived and worked, can be valuable assets that contribute to overall net worth. Without concrete details, it is difficult to assess the precise impact of real estate on her financial portfolio.
Final Years and Legacy
In 2010, Penny Marshall announced she had been diagnosed with lung cancer but recovered a few years later. She published a memoir, “My Mother Was Nuts,” offering insights into her life and career. Penny Marshall passed away in December 2018 in Los Angeles from heart failure. Tributes were paid by numerous Hollywood figures, including her former husband Rob Reiner and former co-workers Ron Howard and Cindy Williams. She was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, with her headstone emblazoned with an “L” to signify her Laverne character.
At the time of her death, Penny Marshall’s estimated net worth remained at $45 million, reflecting the culmination of her successful acting and directing career, her contributions to numerous television shows and films, and her enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
