Happy Days creator Garry Marshall has died aged 81.

Marshall was one of the most most respected TV and film comedy directors in Hollywood. In a highly influential career he also worked on the sitcom version of the film/play The Odd Couple and Mork and Mindy, the Happy Days spin-off that made Robin Williams a household name. Another success was a further Happy Days spin-off, Laverne and Shirley, starring his sister Penny Marshall.

Marshall also had a hugely successful career as a film director. Among his hits were Pretty Woman, Beaches and The Princess Diaries. His most recent film was Mother's Day, which featured Jack Whitehall as an aspiring stand-up comedian.

Henry Winkler, who played the Fonz, wrote on Twitter: "Rest In Peace .. Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty , friendship and generosity."

Film director Ron Howard, who also starred in Happy Days, wrote: "RIP #GarryMarshall whose humor & humanity inspired. He was a world class boss & mentor whose creativity and leadership meant a ton to me."

Pretty Woman star Richard Gere said: "A mentor and a cheerleader and one of the funniest men who ever lived".

Ashton Kutcher wrote: "I lost a friend & mentor. We lost a beautiful man & masterful story teller. Gary Marshall I love you. I hope I get to go where you are."