Americans everywhere are in mourning this week after Penny Marshall, best known for starring on the 1970s sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” passed away on Monday due to complications from diabetes. She was 75 years-old.

“Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall,” Marshall’s family said in a statement. “We hope her life continues to inspire others to spend time with family, work hard, and make all of their dreams come true.”

Born in 1943, Marshall was the younger sister of Garry Marshall, the director of hit movies like Pretty Woman. Marshall herself got her big break when she was cast in the recurring role of Laverne DeFazio on the sitcom “Happy Days.” Marshall’s character was so popular that she was given her own spinoff with Cindy Williams called “Laverne & Shirley,” in which they played roommates and coworkers at a Milwaukee beer-bottling plant. The show was a massive hit and ran from 1976-1983.

Williams spoke out after Marshall’s death to pay tribute to her.

“What an extraordinary loss. My good friend, Penny Marshall is gone — one in a million,” she said. “Utterly unique, a truly great talent. And, oh what fun we had! Can’t describe how I’ll miss her.”

After “Laverne & Shirley” came to an end, Marshall shifted her focus to directing. When she directed the 1988 Tom Hanks movie Big, she became the first female director to direct a movie that grossed more than $100 million. Four years later, she accomplished this once again with A League of Their Own starring Rosie O’Donnell and Madonna.

Marshall was truly a one of a kind talent who will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, Penny Marshall!