The hugely popular American director, producer and actress Penny Marshall has passed away at the age of 75.

She directed Tom Hanks in Big in 1988, which was the first film directed by a woman to gross more than $100 million at the US box office.

She also directed Jumpin' Jack Flash, Awakenings, A League of Their Own and Riding in Cars with Boys.

Other films of hers included Renaissance Man (1994) and The Preacher's Wife (1996). She also produced Cinderella Man (2005) and Bewitched (2005) and directed episodes of the TV series According to Jim and United States of Tara.

Prior to directing, Penny Marshall worked as an actress and is probably best know for starring in the Happy Days spin-off sitcom Laverne & Shirley.

Born in 1943, Penny's older brother was Garry Marshall, himself a famous film director, screenwriter and actor. He was best known for creating Happy Days and its various spin-offs, and for directing Pretty Woman, Beaches, and Runaway Bride.

Marshall died in Los Angeles from complications of diabetes on 17 December.

Paying tribute, Tom Hanks tweeted: "Goodbye, Penny. Man, did we laugh a lot! Wish we still could. Love you. Hanx."

Following Marshall's passing, her ex-husband Rob Reiner took to Twitter to say: "I loved Penny. I grew up with her. She was born with a great gift. She was born with a funnybone and the instinct of how to use it. I was very lucky to have lived with her and her funnybone. I will miss her."

View this post on Instagram

What an inspiring woman #PennyMarshall was. Funny, talented, kind and giving. Penny was so supportive of my career from the very beginning and I will always be so grateful. A wonderful actress, producer and director. She will be missed by so many. #RIP

A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) on Dec 18, 2018 at 1:02pm PST

While actress Geena Davis said: “I’m terribly sad to hear the news about Penny passing. My heart goes out to Tracy Reiner and her family.

"Penny brought so much joy to so many and will be sorely missed. I will be forever grateful to her for letting me be a part of A League of Their Own.”

I grew up wanting to be as funny as Penny Marshall, and had the pleasure of meeting her a few times. Watch some old Laverne and Shirley to see why her brother Garry insisted on casting her. Comedy gold, she was. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/DhP10j7m8s

— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) December 18, 2018

Ron Howard, her onetime co-star, and like her an actor who went on to become a celebrated film director, stated on Twitter, "She was funny & so smart. She made the transition from sitcom star to A List movie director with ease & had a major impact on both mediums.

"All that & always relaxed, funny & totally unpretentious. I was lucky to have known & worked with her."

Russell Crowe paid tribute to the star saying, "She was kind, she was crazy, so talented and she loved movies."

Sad to hear of Penny Marshall’s passing. a great comedienne a terrific director and a dear friend.

— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) December 18, 2018

Broadcaster Dan Rather tweeted, "Mourning the loss of a funny, poignant, and original American voice. Penny Marshall was a pioneer in television and the big screen who understood humor comes in many forms and some of life's deeper truths require a laugh. She will be missed."

Thank you, Penny Marshall. For the trails you blazed. The laughs you gave. The hearts you warmed. pic.twitter.com/7qPKJa6ApH

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) December 18, 2018

“I’m terribly sad to hear the news about Penny passing. My heart goes out to Tracy Reiner and her family. Penny brought so much joy to so many and will be sorely missed. I will be forever grateful to her for letting me be a part of A League of Their Own.” Geena Davis

— GeenaDavisInstitute (@GDIGM) December 18, 2018

#RIPPennyMarshall She was funny & so smart. She made the transition from sitcom star to A List movie director with ease & had a major impact on both mediums. All that & always relaxed, funny & totally unpretentious. I was lucky to have known & worked with her. https://t.co/pf2kfIkCH4

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) December 18, 2018

.@TheSimpsons Penny Marshall our first guest star and a great talent. You will be missed! pic.twitter.com/uasxznXHIl

— Al Jean (@AlJean) December 18, 2018

“I’m terribly sad to hear the news about Penny passing. My heart goes out to Tracy Reiner and her family. Penny brought so much joy to so many and will be sorely missed. I will be forever grateful to her for letting me be a part of A League of Their Own.” Geena Davis

— GeenaDavisInstitute (@GDIGM) December 18, 2018