The Story Behind the 70s Sitcom Hit Laverne & Shirley

Before Laverne & Shirley entered development, Penny Marshall had spent several years trying to establish herself as a television actress. She appeared in small roles, commercials, and guest spots, but none of the parts had yet turned her into a recognizable sitcom star.

This slow start helped motivate her brother Garry Marshall to consider building a television role that suited her natural comedic personality. Rather than waiting for a major opportunity to appear, he began exploring the possibility of creating a character specifically designed around her humor and energy.