Stars react to Garry Marshall's death

LOS ANGELES, July 20 (UPI) -- Stars around the Hollywood universe are reacting to the death of Garry Marshall, director of such hit films as Pretty Woman and the TV series Happy Days.

"My neighbor . My groomsman. My lovely, beautiful Garry. Heartbroken," Alan Thicke tweeted.

"The world has lost a great man, a comedy icon and a wonderful friend. Rest in peace Garry Marshall," actor Bob Saget tweeted.

Marshall died of complications from a stroke. He was 81.

Marshall brought some of the most memorable shows to television. The older brother to actress Penny Marshall, his shows included Laverne and Shirley and Mork and Mindy. His sitcoms were among the biggest hits of the decade, and Happy Days, with its embrace of 1950s nostalgia, became very influential in a post-Vietnam era.

"Garry Marshall hired me at 15 years old," Rob Lowe tweeted." He gave my wife her start at 18, as a makeup artist. He changed our lives. And MANY others. #love."

The list of respects goes on.

"Garry Marshall, I am forever indebted to you," Sarah Paulson tweeted. "Thank you for taking a chance on me. I love you. On the wings on Angels, rest now."

"Garry Marshall gave me one of the best experiences I ever had in my career," actor Jason Alexander tweeted. "Thanks pal. RIP"

"RIP #GarryMarshall will miss that talented one," actress Octavia Spencer tweeted.