2016 tragically claimed yet another entertainment giant Tuesday, as television and film writer-producer-director Garry Marshall passed away in Burbank, Calif., at the age of 81, following complications of pneumonia following a stroke.

Marshall, however, leaves behind an impressive and iconic television resume – including serving as a writer on several episodes of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" as well as helping bring "The Odd Couple" and, of course, the Milwaukee-set hit sitcom "Happy Days" and its several, often equally beloved, spin-offs to life as their creator.

He also made quite an impact on the big screen, directing beloved romantic comedies like "Pretty Woman," "Runaway Bride" and "The Princess Diaries." And while his late output of movies – ranging from the Lindsay Lohan vehicle "Georgia Rule" to a trio of holiday-themed rom-coms – were often critically panned and performed unremarkably at the box office, there's something to be said about the fact Marshall made films unapologetically for women and about women, a group Hollywood then, and even still now, tends to treat as a niche audience.

Across television and film, Marshall also had a keen eye for burgeoning stars and how to utilize them in his projects. During his career, he helped launch Henry Winkler, Julia Roberts and Anne Hathaway all into stardom. They, and several others who worked with the producer over the years, took to Twitter to pay their respects to Marshall. 

Garry Marshall was a wonderful man, hilarious, gifted in the ways of humanity and storytelling. He launched and nur… https://t.co/N1raCJkzQM

— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) July 20, 2016

GARRY MARSHALL Rest In Peace .. Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty , friendship and generosity . — Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) July 20, 2016

I'm heartbroken. My mentor and 2nd father has passed. #GarryMarshall pic.twitter.com/Gpn7beNJyu — Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) July 20, 2016

RIP #GarryMarshall whose humor & humanity inspired. He was a world class boss & mentor whose creativity and leadership meant a ton to me. — Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) July 20, 2016

There is no denying, whether you liked his shows and movies or not, he most certainly left his mark on entertainment and on Milwaukee – quite literally. 

Indeed, many across the nation got their first pleasant introduction to Milwaukee through Marshall's "Happy Days" and "Laverne & Shirley" – though technically thanks to The Bronx native's fellow-executive producer Tom Miller, who was born and raised in the Cream City.

Thanks to Miller's local connection, plus Milwaukee's relatively cheap filming cost and overall Midwestern vibe, Milwaukee earned a spot on Hollywood's map and likely welcomed even more Milwaukee visitors.

For all of that – and much, much more – Garry Marshall, you will be missed.