there's no crying in baseball page 5

 there's no crying in baseball page 5 by ric gustafson

On July 4 1976, Penny Marshall joined a group of performers writing sketches for the Bicentennial. Her assigned writing partner was Cindy Williams. Williams was in a teen movie called American Graffiti. Penny and Cindy were as different as night and day. Penny was low energy Cindy was always bubbly. They became a great team.

Garry came up with the idea of Penny and Cindy appearing in an episode of a 50's show he was involved in. That show was an ABC comedy called Happy Days. Penny and Cindy appeared in the episode as Pink Lady types called Laverne and Shirley.

Penny and Cindy's Happy Days episode was a hit. Then Garry had another idea. He talked to Paramount about a series starring Penny and Cindy. The show was to be called Laverne and Shirley. The show debuted in Jan 1976. It was a ratings smash. Critics called the new show dumb and unsophisticated. TV viewers loved the show.

Garry and Penny's father Tony Marshall managed Garry's company. Garry preferred writing over managing. Tensions on the set were high. Penny was obsessive and detail oriented. Cindy just tried to keep up. 

research help: ' No crying in baseball' by Erin Carlson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric