“Wake Me When It’s Funny” and “My Happy Days in Hollywood” by Garry Marshall

Sadly, my dad died earlier this week at the age of 81. Coincidentally when we finished the press release, I looked at the clock and it read 8:15 pm on a Tuesday night. This 8pm hour was his favorite television time slot. It was where “Happy Days” and “Laverne & Shirley” found their home and fame for almost a decade. This was not an accident. It was deliberate endearment and a clear sign, as was everything with my dad. He was obvious and transparent. There was nothing confusing about him. He loved us. We loved him. He held standards which we forever hope to meet and pass to his grandchildren. We will miss him forever. And we will be ok. We, his family, knew that because we “walked” with him. Regularly on these walks he told us about his hopes, dreams, thoughts and prayers. Every day he marked the great days in his calendar with a “W” for “Win.” He made us write his notes down on paper. “Nothing is the end of the world.” “Family is important.” “Learn to use a typewriter, and a cash register, and speak in public.” “Never order any fish on a menu when it says market price.” It was easiest to connect with my dad when you were working on one of his projects. I wrote two autobiographies with him, “Wake Me When It’s Funny” and later “My Happy Days in Hollywood.” The best part of writing books with “Pop” was going on press tours with “Garry.” To watch him do radios broadcasts, morning shows, and late night television was to witness a master of the interview and stand-up comedy routine. He was engaging. He was charming. He was witty and he was at the top of his game when he was in front of a microphone and an audience. His personal motto was “Life Is more important than show business.” However, that phrase has secret meaning: He was saying attack life at full tilt, each and every day, at work and at home, and you will have a show-biz worthy life. He certainly had a great life for all of his 81 years. And we are so grateful to have had him with us for so long. I love you, Daddy, and I’m getting married. We will miss you but never forget you! We’re good! Please enjoy his legacy. To purchase this book on Amazon click here.