Emmys 2016: Henry Winkler Honors ‘Happy Days’ Creator Garry Marshall
Sunday night at the 2016 Emmy Awards, Henry Winkler paid tribute to “Happy Days” creator Garry Marshall, who passed away on July 19 at the age of 81 due to pneumonia complications. His touching tribute opened the annual “In Memoriam” segment.
Winkler, who played Fonzie on the iconic sitcom that ran from 1974 – 1984, took the stage to say some kinds words about the late filmmaker.
“He gave me my career,” Winkler said of the late creator and director. “Anybody who was lucky enough to meet him, it changed their life.”
Winkler continued, “Garry used to say, ‘Other people make important television, I make recess.’ Thank you for inviting us into your schoolyard.”
Tori Kelly also took the stage to sing during the “In Memoriam” segment, where a slew of other late talents were honored for their contributions to the small screen.
READ MORE: Garry Marshall, ‘Happy Days’ Creator and ‘Pretty Woman’ Director, Dies at 81
Marshall was a five-time Emmy nominee and become one of the most successful TV producers thanks to his hit series, “Happy Days,” “Laverne & Shirley,” “Mork & Mindy” and “The Odd Couple.” He also served as an executive consultant on CBS’ revival of “The Odd Couple.”
The filmmaker also established a film legacy which included the classics “Pretty Woman,” “Runaway Bride,” “The Princess Diaries” and “Nothing in Common,” among others. His last film he helmed was the 2016 comedy “Mother’s Day.”
Aside from writing, producing and directing, Marshall also had an active acting career with stunts in the TV series “Murphy Brown,” guest-starring on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Two and a Half Men,” lending his voice to characters in “BoJack Horseman” and “Chicken Little” and appearing in films like “Never Been Kissed,” “A League of Their Own” and “Soap Dish.”
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