Penny Marshall’s Abandoned House, Tragic Death & $85M Net Worth Left Behind
Penny Marshall, the beloved actress, director, and Hollywood icon, left behind a legacy that extended far beyond her iconic role as Laverne DeFazio in Laverne & Shirley. However, after her tragic death in 2018, her luxurious Los Angeles mansion fell into disrepair, becoming a haunting symbol of her absence. Along with her abandoned house, Marshall also left behind an estimated $85 million net worth, raising questions about her estate and who inherited her fortune.
In this in-depth article, we explore:
✔ The eerie state of Penny Marshall’s abandoned mansion
✔ Her tragic death and the illnesses she battled
✔ Her $85M net worth and who inherited it
✔ Rare insights from friends and colleagues
Penny Marshall’s Abandoned Mansion: A Haunting Reminder of Her Legacy
Located in the prestigious Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, Penny Marshall’s 10,000-square-foot mansion was once a bustling hub for Hollywood’s elite. Purchased in the 1990s, the home featured a screening room, tennis court, and lush gardens—where Marshall reportedly hosted legendary parties attended by stars like Carrie Fisher, Robin Williams, and Tom Hanks.
However, after her death, the property was left unoccupied and neglected. Recent photos reveal overgrown vegetation, broken windows, and a general air of abandonment. Neighbors have described it as “eerie” and “frozen in time,” with personal belongings still inside.
Why Was the House Abandoned?
-
Legal battles over her estate delayed its sale.
-
High maintenance costs made it difficult to preserve.
-
Sentimental value may have kept family members from immediately selling.
A Zillow listing later showed the home was put on the market for $12.5 million, but its deteriorated condition led to a price drop.
Penny Marshall’s Tragic Death: The Illness That Took Her Life
Penny Marshall passed away on December 17, 2018, at the age of 75. The cause of death was complications from diabetes, a condition she had battled for years. She also suffered from lung cancer (which went into remission) and heart disease.
Final Days & Tributes
-
Hollywood mourned her loss, with stars like Ron Howard, Billy Crystal, and Barbra Streisand paying tribute.
-
Tom Hanks, whom she directed in Big (1988), called her “a fantastic director and a hilarious woman.”
-
Carrie Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, shared emotional memories of Marshall, who was like a second mother to her.
“Penny was a trailblazer. She directed some of the most iconic films, yet never lost her humility.” — Ron Howard
Penny Marshall’s $85M Net Worth: Who Inherited Her Fortune?
At the time of her death, Marshall’s net worth was estimated at $85 million, earned from:
✔ Acting (Laverne & Shirley)
✔ Directing (Big, A League of Their Own, Awakenings)
✔ Production deals & royalties
Who Inherited Her Wealth?
Marshall was survived by her daughter, Tracy Reiner (from her first marriage), and her older brother, Garry Marshall (who passed in 2016). Reports suggest that:
-
Tracy Reiner inherited the bulk of her estate.
-
Charitable donations were made to diabetes research.
-
Hollywood archives received some of her memorabilia.
Social Media Reactions & Rare Footage
Fans continue to honor Marshall’s legacy online. A rare interview clip from The Oprah Winfrey Show resurfaced, where she discussed her directing career:
📽 Watch Here: Penny Marshall on Directing Big
Twitter Reactions:
“Penny Marshall broke barriers for women in Hollywood. Her house may be abandoned, but her legacy isn’t.” — @FilmHistorian
“It’s heartbreaking to see her home like this. She deserved better.” — @ClassicHollywoodFan
Conclusion: A Hollywood Legend Remembered
Penny Marshall’s abandoned house stands as a bittersweet reminder of her incredible life—from sitcom stardom to becoming one of the most successful female directors in history. Though her mansion may be decaying, her films and influence remain timeless.
Did you know? Marshall was the first woman to direct a film that grossed over $100 million (Big).
Would you like to see her home restored as a tribute? Share your thoughts in the comments!
