“Pretty Woman” director and “Happy Days” creator Garry Marshall died Tuesday in Burbank, Calif. of complications from pneumonia following a stroke. He was 81.

Marshall shifted from TV writing to creating sitcoms that touched the ‘70s generation and directing timeless film classics. “Happy Days” became one of the biggest hits on TV with millions tuning in each week to watch the Cunninghams and friends. The nostalgia and innocence of the half-hour tale became a refuge for some Americans during a turbulent decade. “Mork and Mindy” pushed Robin Williams to fame and made rainbow suspenders an icon of their era. Likewise “Pretty Woman” turned Julia Roberts into a full-fledged movie star, and was not only a box office small but also a cultural touchstone. “The Princess Diaries” made Anne Hathaway a household name and a teen favorite.

The celebrity community took to Twitter to pay tribute to the Hollywood icon. Henry Winkler, made famous for his role as “The Fonz” in “Happy Days” was one of the first to post on Twitter about Marshall when the news broke. He tweeted, “Thank you for my professional life.”

Sarah Paulson, who starred in Marshall’s 1999 film “The Other Side” as well as his 2011 movie “New Year’s Eve” tweeted, “Garry Marshall, I am forever indebted to you. Thank you for taking a chance on me. I love you. On the wings of Angels, rest now.”

Comedian and actor Bob Saget who was close to Marshall tweeted, “The world has lost a great man, a comedy icon and a wonderful friend. Rest in peace.”

Actor, talk and game show host Alan Thicke, who was also close to Marshall tweeted, “My neighbor. My groomsman. My lovely, beautiful Garry. Heartbroken.”

Other celebrities issued emotion-filled statements after they received news of his passing. Richard Gere, who starred in “Pretty Woman,” said Marshall “had a heart of the purest goal”: “Garry of course was one of those who truly important people one is blessed to meet in one’s lifetime. Besides being the pulse of and life force of ‘Pretty Woman’…a steady helmsman on a ship that could have easily capsized…he was a super fine and decent man, husband and father who brought real joy and love and infectious good spirits to everything and everyone he crossed paths with. Everyone loved Garry. He was a mentor and a cheerleader and one of the finniest men who ever lived. He had a heart of purest gold and a soul full of mischief. He was Garry.”

“Happy Days” cast members Anson Williams also issued a statement on Marshall: “Garry Marshall gave me the opportunity of many lifetimes and, more importantly genuine love and friendship; a love that transcended far beyond show business,” said Williams. “Garry’s selfless nurturing of talent will be passed on to future generations along with all that he has creator. Two of my young daughters’ favorite TV show segment? ‘The Odd Couple,’ ‘Hospital Mates,’ written by Garry Marshall. Garry, you are forever with us and I love you.”

Rest in peace Garry Marshall. You will be missed.