Moved to think about something...
The number of people saying Penny Marshall will always be Laverne for them, what she's remembered for/important in their lives.
This isn't at all unusual. And of course it is as much about us (and timing) as them.
The number of people saying Penny Marshall will always be Laverne for them, what she's remembered for/important in their lives.
This isn't at all unusual. And of course it is as much about us (and timing) as them.
A great many artists of all kinds we 'lock' into with one of their earlier works. Or their first! Especially if they become really big in the culture of the day (highbrow, or pop culture). And the combined pop culture power of that show airing after Happy Days was VERY big.
Plus, of course, being SEEN, acting as opposed to directing, can make a difference too. (Role modelling?) But I wonder what Marshall would have said was the work that made her proudest. Sometimes the 'gap' between the artist and the market as to this can stress.
Joni Mitchell is an example of someone who believes her later work is deeply undervalued. Many writers feel the same, thinking about a breakthrough early book vs books they did later that were less loved.
And — to complicate this even more — sometimes the market is RIGHT! The later work was not as vivid or compelling as the earlier one. (Richard Llewellyn, How Green Was My Valley and ... everything after.) That can actually be hard for an artist. "You peaked at 27!"
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