Who Was Rob Reiner's Ex-Wife, Penny Marshall? Starred In 'Laverne And Shirley' And More Hit Shows

On December 14, 2025, the news that two people were found dead inside a Brentwood home, owned by renowned director and actor, Rob Reiner, shook the internet. According to the LA fire department, a man and a woman, thought to be approximately 78 and 68 years old, were found dead inside the home. Property records show that the house belongs to both Rob and his current wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Later reports revealed that it was Rob and Michelle themselves who were stabbed to death, with their deaths being investigated as a homicide.  

The couple got married in 1989. Up until their death, they had been married to each other for over three decades. They also share three children together. If reports are to be believed, one of their sons is suspected of being linked to their murder. Now, with the couple's deaths grabbing the headlines, many fans have started to wonder about Rob's ex-wife. If you are one of them, here's everything we know about Penny Marshall, whom Rob married in 1971.  

Who is Penny Marshall? 

Penny Marshall was born on October 15th, 1943, in New York. She was one of the most beloved actresses, comedians, and directors in Hollywood. She was also the first woman to achieve consistent commercial success as a motion picture director.  

Penny was born to Marjorie Irene Marshall, who was a dance teacher and an industrial filmmaker. Penny's first performance was also with her mother's dance group, The Marshallettes. Regarding her education, she attended the University of New Mexico; however, she couldn't complete her studies, as she left the university only two years later. This was so she could marry her then-husband, Michael Henry. The couple had a daughter named Tracy, who you might recognise today as the actress, Tracy Reiner. This marriage for Penny was not long-lasting, as the couple got divorced soon thereafter.   

After her divorce in 1967, Penny moved to Hollywood, where her brother, Garry, was working as a comedy writer and producer. It was all thanks to his persuasion that Penny tried acting classes and later joined the film industry. Her first bit part was given to her by Garry himself for the 1968 movie, How Sweet It Is! Following this, her big break came two years later, in 1971, when her brother gave her a small part on the show, The Odd Couple. This is where she met her second husband, Rob Rainer. They tied the knot in 1971, with the actor-director even adopting her daughter, Tracy, from her previous marriage. The couple's marriage lasted for about a decade, until they called it quits and went their separate ways in 1981.  

This time around, Penny did not let her marriage to Rob and her eventual divorce affect her career, which was only taking off at that point. In the two years after her marriage, she performed on the Bob Newwood Show. And in 1975, she made a guest appearance with Cindy Williams on the television series, Happy Days. This further led her to act in the show's spin-off, Laverne and Shirley, in 1976. In the comedy series, which revolved around two blue-collar women, Penny played the role of 'Laverne' who worked in a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, brewery during the 1950s. This show went on to become a hit with viewers and successfully ran until 1983.  

Penny Marshall's directorial debut 

Five years after her divorce from Rob, Penny made her directorial debut with Jumpin’ Jack Flash in 1986. Two years later, she followed with the movie, Big, in 1988, which was a hit with both critics and viewers alike. The movie recounted the adventures of a 12-year-old whose wish to grow up comes true. The release of this movie became a monumental moment in her career as it was the first film directed by a woman to gross more than USD 100 million at the box office. Her next film, titled Awakenings, came out in 1990. This film was based on a book of the same name by Oliver Sacks. Her later films include A League of Their Own (1992), Renaissance Man (1994), and The Preacher's Wife (1996). 

Penny Marshall died at the age of 75 

After a successful career, her fans were left saddened when she passed away on December 17, 2018, at the age of 75. According to her publicist, Michelle Bega, Penny's cause of death was revealed to be complications from diabetes. Though it is worth noting that her death certificate states heart failure as the primary cause of death. At the time, Rob also took to X (formerly Twitter) to profess his admiration towards her and write: 

“So sad about Penny. I loved Penny. I grew up with her. She was born with a great gift. She was born with a funny bone and the instinct of how to use it. I was very lucky to have lived with her and her funny bone. I will miss her.” 

What are your thoughts on Rob Reiner’s ex-wife, Penny Marshall? Let us know. 

Also read: Rob Reiner Dead? LAPD Rushes To His LA Home, After Two People Were Found Dead, Here's All We Know

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