The Garry Marshall Family Tree Part 1

On Tuesday, July 19th, 2016, we lost the great Garry Marshall, creator of comedic television shows and films that could make us laugh unlike any other comedy ever could. The New York City native was mostly known for his achievements as a writer, producer, director, and even an actor of television and film. From The Odd Couple (1970-1975) and Happy Days (1974-1984) to Pretty Woman (1990) and The Princess Diaries (2001), what sets Marshall’s work apart from other comedy writers is that the heart of all of his work, first and foremost, was family. Throughout his Hollywood career Garry Marshall created a quite remarkable “family tree,” if you will, by helping to mentor (and sometimes launch) the careers of many talented actors. And in his various films, he often accessed that same talent over and over. He was well known for placing family in high priority on the set, and even gave his relatives bit parts in his films.

Julia Roberts rose to international stardom with her performance as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman (1990), which earned her 2nd Academy Award Nomination, though it was her 1st Nomination for Best Lead Actress. She is the only actress ever to receive an Academy Award Nomination for a performance in a Garry Marshall movie. Roberts was reunited with “Pretty Woman,” co-star Richard Gere for Marshall’s Runaway Bride (1999) and also starred in Valentine’s Day (2010) as well as Garry Marshall’s last film, Mother’s Day (2016). (Her niece, actress Emma Roberts, also appeared in “Valentine’s Day.”)

Garry Marshall directed Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell in Overboard in 1987. 17 years later, in 2004, he directed their daughter, Kate Hudson in Raising Helen, and later in “Mother’s Day.” Garry Marshall was kind enough to let Hudson’s son, Ryder Russell Robinson, who was born while “Raising Helen,” was in production, run the movie clapboard and call “Action,” during the filming of “Mother’s Day.”   

Joan Cusack starred in “Runaway Bride,” “Raising Helen,” and she and Garry Marshall both lent their voices to Disney’s Chicken Little (2005). In the baseball game scene of “Bride,” you can see Joan Cusack wearing a baseball cap that says “Peaches.” That is ironic, because Garry Marshall’s sister, Penny Marshall, who is another renowned actor/director, directed the film, A League of Their Own (1992), which starred Joan’s eldest sister, Ann Cusack as Left Fielder, Shirley Baker (the woman who initially couldn’t read). Garry played Walter Harvey, the founder of the A.A.G.P.B.L.

Anne Hathaway had her film debut as Mia in The Princess Diaries (2001). She reprised her role for the sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). Marshall auditioned several young women for the role of Mia, and showed the tapes to his granddaughters, Lilly and Charlotte and asked them whom they liked. They picked Anne Hathaway, because they told him they thought she had the best “princess-y,” hair. The girls even make a brief appearance in the film as the too little girls who ask for Mia’s autograph. (Their names, Lilly and Charlotte, are the character names Marshall used for Mia’s best friend and Queen Clarisse’s secretary (which was played by Garry Marshall’s daughter, Kathleen).

Hector Elizondo is the “grand champion” of Marshall films, having acted in 18 of his movies between 1982 and 2016. Most notable was his one and ply Golden Globe Nominated performance in “Pretty Woman.” He also played Joe in “Princess 1 and 2,” and Mickey Massey, the car dealer in “Raising Helen,” rounding out his Marshall-led roles in Valentine’s Day (2010), New Year’s Eve (2011), and “Mother’s Day.”

Garry Marshall has truly left a most enduring legacy in the entertainment industry. His films and television shows did far more than just entertain. They told stories that were very easy for normal people to identify with. More importantly, they made each of our family lives seem a little more humorous. Hats off to Garry Marshall!

Hollywood’s Oldest Bachelor

When we think of actors with unmistakably deep voices, there are many names that come to our minds: James Earl Jones, Alan Rickman, Fred Gwynne, and others. A name that doesn’t come to mind to quickly is Tony Jay, but he is definitely an actor who would fit that group. And interestingly, he was one of Hollywood’s oldest bachelors, having never married until the age of 70! He married his wife of 2 years, Marta MacGeraghty, in 2004, but had been in a relationship since 1974, and had a son together, Adam. Jay, however, unfortunately passed away in 2006 due to complications from cancer surgery. He lent his “Shakespearean,” baritone voice to a great deal of Disney films and television shows, and for each of them, his voice served as one of it’s most beneficial assets.

Tony Jay made his Disney debut in Beauty and the Beast (1991) as the voice of Monsieur D’Arque, the asylum superintendent. The film’s creators (Producer, Don Hahn and Co-Writers/Directors, Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise) were so impressed with his audition for the film, that they hired him right on the spot to voice the character and recorded all of his dialogue at his audition. His next Disney role was that of the evil Judge Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996). (That film was also produced by Don Hahn and written/directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise). Jay also voiced Dr. Rosenthal in Recess: School’s Out (2001) and was the narrator for Treasure Planet (2002). He voiced Shere Khan the Tiger for the Disney Channel Series, TaleSpin (1990-1991), and reprised the role for the theatrical sequel to The Jungle Book (1967), The Jungle Book 2 (2003).

Jay’s other television roles include, ABC’s The Golden Girls (1985-1992), and Disney’s Darkwing Duck (1991-1995), The Little Mermaid (1992-1994), Aladdin (1994-1995), Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (2000-2001), and House of Mouse (2001-2002). He acted in many live-action films as well, including Woody Allen’s Love and Death (1975), and his best known live-action role was starring opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger as Werner/Narrator in Twins (1988). He was also known for voicing the Elder God in the video game series, Legacy of Kain (1996-present).

Tony Jay may or may not have been Hollywood’s oldest bachelor, but her certainly was one of them. We can be sure however, that his incredibly powerful voice made each of his voice-over roles seem effortless, facile, and distinctively entertaining. Although none of the Disney films he worked were supervised by Walt Disney, I’m sure Disney would have been a huge fan of Tony Jay’s voice.

Sky High’s Clouds

Sky High (2005) was released on July 29th, 2005, and was a commercial, critical, and public success. The film starred Kurt Russell as Steve Stronghold/The Commander, father of Will Stronghold, the film’s main protagonist, and Danielle Panabaker as Layla Williams, Will’s best friend turned girlfriend in the film. The film also starred Dave Foley and Kevin McDonald of The Kids in the Hall (1989-1995). Foley portrayed Jonathan Boy/All-American Boy who was the Hero Support Teacher at Sky High, but who was also the Commander’s former sidekick. McDonald played the role of Professor Medulla, Sky High’s mad scientist professor. The film also featured a cameo by Tom Kenny and his real-life spouse, Jill Talley, who play a husband and wife who almost get killed when the evil “Royal Pain” attempts to send Sky High down to the normal world. It’s possible, however, that each of these actors are better known to you for lending their acting and voice talents to other Disney movies.

Kurt Russell began his career as a Disney child star making his feature film debut in Follow Me, Boys! (1966), opposite fellow Disney veteran Fred MacMurray. Next came The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (1968), which would be his first film with future companion, Goldie Hawn. His other Disney films include The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit (1968), The Barefoot Executive (1971), and Superdad (1973). He portrayed the character of Dexter Riley in The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969) and its two sequels Now You See Him, Now You Don’t (1972) and The Strongest Man in the World (1975). He also acted in seven episodes of Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color (1954-1992), lent his voice to the character of Adult Copper in The Fox and the Hound (1981), and prior to “High,” played U.S. Hockey Coach Herb Brooks in Disney’s Miracle (2004). He will next be seen in Disney/Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (2017).

Danielle Panabaker acted in 2 Disney Channel Original Movies, Stuck in the Suburbs (2004) and Read It and Weep (2006). In “Weep,” she acted alongside her real-life sister, Kay Panabaker, who has also appeared in Disney Channel television shows and films. 

Dave Foley made his Disney debut voicing the character of Flik the Ant in A Bug’s Life (1998). He reprised the role for A Bug’s Life: The Video Game (1998), the It’s Tough to Be a Bug (1998) attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Toy Story 2 (1999) outtakes, and he voiced the “Flik” car in the Cars (2006) outtakes. He also voiced Terry in Monsters University (2013) and reprised that role for the short, Party Central (2014). In addition to all of his film roles, Foley has also portrayed Brick’s therapist/friend, Dr. Fulton in Disney/ABC’s The Middle (2009-) and voiced Wayne the Elf in Prep & Landing (2009) and it’s two sequels, Prep & Landing Stocking Stuffer: Operation: Secret Santa (2010), and Prep and Landing: Naughty vs. Nice (2011). Foley also lent his voice to an episode of the Disney Channel Television Show, Lilo and Stitch: The Series (2003-2006). 

Kevin McDonald, who is best friends with Dave Foley in real life, provided the voice of Pleakley in Lilo and Stitch (2002). He reprised the character for the series as well as the three direct-to-video sequels, Stitch: The Movie (2003), Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch (2005), and Leroy & Stitch (2006). McDonald also lent his voice to an episode of the Disney Channel Show, Phineas and Ferb (2007-2015).

Tom Kenny, who played Mr. Timmerman in “Sky High,” is best known throughout the world for doing the voice of Spongebob Squarepants (1999-). In addition to that role, Kenny also voiced Mr. Willerstein in Disney’s Meet the Robinsons (2007), Rabbit in Winnie the Pooh (2011), and the New Holland Townsfolk in Frankenweenie (2012). Kenny has also done numerous voices in Disney Channel Shows, including Kim Possible (2003-2007) “Phineas and Ferb,” and Miles from Tomorrowland (2015-). Kenny’s wife, Jill Talley, who played Mrs. Timmerman, does the voice of Plankton’s computer wife, Karen on “Spongebob.” Talley also portrayed a Dance Competition Official in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Gotta Kick It Up! (2002).

Each of these people played significant roles in helping make “Sky High,” the hit that it became. It has now been 11 years since the film’s release, and each of these actors are still busy. It is unlikely that there will be a sequel to the film, but considering sequels are rarely better or even as good as the original, by itself, “Sky High,” will be an asset in continuing the Disney legacy of family entertainment.  

Ghostbusters Lives On

Do you believe in ghosts? You don’t have to answer that, but can you believe it’s been 32 years since the ‘80s classic film Ghostbusters (1984) was released? And in addition to that, they’re coming out with an all-new remake of the original film (July 15th) with Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. I thought with this piece I would acknowledge to you the stars of the original film and some of the other memorable films of their career. Did you happen to know that many of them have been the voices of Disney cartoons?

Bill Murray, better known as “Dr. Peter Venkman,” received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Actor in Lost in Translation (2003). Murray also starred opposite future “Ghostbuster” Melissa McCarthy in St. Vincent (2014). He most recently lent his voice to Baloo in Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book (2016), and his “Translation” co-star, Scarlett Johansson, voiced Kaa the Snake in “Jungle Book.”

Dan Aykroyd, who portrayed Dr. Raymond Stantz in “Ghostbusters,” and co-wrote the screenplay for the film with Harold Ramis, received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Driving Miss Daisy (1989). He also starred opposite Melissa McCarthy as her father, Don, in Tammy (2014). He never voiced any Disney cartoon, but did voice Yogi Bear for Warner Bros. live-action adaptation of Yogi Bear (2010), starring opposite the voice talent of Justin Timberlake as Boo Boo. 

Sigourney Weaver who played Dana Barrett in “Ghostbusters,” is one of the very few actresses in the entire movie industry ever to be nominated for two Academy Awards for two different films in the same year, being nominated in 1989 for Best Supporting Actress in Working Girl (1988) and Best Actress for Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Dian Fossey (1988). She previously was nominated for Best Actress in Aliens (1986). She portrayed the evil Warden in Disney’s Holes (2003). She also provided the voice of the Ship’s Computer in Disney/Pixar’s Wall-E (2008) and portrayed herself in Finding Dory (2016). 

The late, great Harold Ramis, who played Dr. Egon Spengler in “Ghostbusters,” sadly never received any Academy Award Nominations for any of his work. Nor did he star in any Disney films. He did, however, collaborate with good friend Bill Murray on 6 comedy films, including Meatballs (1979), Caddyshack (1980), Stripes (1981), Ghostbusters (1984), Ghostbusters 2 (1989), and Groundhog Day (1993). (Ramis wrote each film and he also produced and directed “Groundhog Day,” and “Caddyshack.” (co-written with Bill Murray’s brother, Brian Doyle Murray.) “Ghostbusters 1 and 2,” “Stripes,” and “Meatballs,” were all directed by Ivan Reitman.”) Both consider “Groundhog Day” their best work. They feuded throughout production of the film, but reconciled their friendship before Ramis’s untimely death at age 69 on February 24th, 2014.

Ernie Hudson who portrayed Winston Zeddermore in “Ghostbusters,” played Agent Gus Sanders in Disney’s Mr. Magoo (1997). He voiced Pedro the Bulldog in Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 (2011) and Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta! (2012), the direct-to-video sequels to Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008), and played King Poseidon in an episode of ABC’s Once Upon a Time. He, along with all of the other living “Ghostbusters,” originals less Rick Moranis, are going to make cameos in the upcoming “Ghostbusters,” film.  

Rick Moranis played the role of Louis Tully in “Ghostbusters,” as well as Wayne Szalinski in Disney’s Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989). (This was released the same year as Ghostbusters 2 (1989)). He reprised that role for both the sequels to that film, Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992), and the direct-to-video sequel, Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves (1997). He also provided the voice of Rutt the Moose in Brother Bear (2003) and reprised that role for the direct-to-video sequel to that film, Brother Bear 2 (2006).

Annie Potts who was Janine Melnitz, the secretary in “Ghostbusters,” played in Iona in Pretty in Pink (1986), in between “Ghostbusters,” and it’s sequel. She provided the voice of Bo Peep in Toy Story (1995) and Toy Story 2 (1999). She did not reprise the character for Toy Story 3 (2010), but is currently attached to do so for Toy Story 4, which is to be released in 2018.

Each of these actors have gone far beyond “Ghostbusters.” But thanks to their efforts for the film, along with the efforts producer/director Ivan Reitman, and it’s team of Oscar-nominated visual effects artists, (Richard Edlund, John Bruno, Mark Vargo, and Chuck Gaspar), as well as singer Ray Parker, Jr. who received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Original Song “Ghostbusters,” “Ghostbusters,” the movie has become a true cult classic. Like many other ‘80s films that spawned sequels, i.e. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Back to the Future (1985), the sequel to “Ghostbusters,” didn’t equal the success of its predecessor. Whether or not the upcoming new film will do so remains to be seen. In spite of that, “Ghostbusters,” will continue to be remembered for many years to come.