Culture 2 min read By Mason Emerson
Marty Nadler, Sitcom Writer and Comedian, Dies at 80
Marty Nadler, a producer, sitcom writer and stand-up comedian known for his work on “Happy Days,” “Laverne and Shirley” and “The Odd Couple,” died Aug. 26 in Margate, Florida. He was 80.
Marty Nadler, a producer, sitcom writer and stand-up comedian who helped shape some of television’s most beloved sitcoms, died Aug. 26 in Margate, Florida. He was 80. His son, Charlie Nadler, said the cause was complications from myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects muscle strength.
Born in the Bronx in 1945, Nadler discovered his passion for comedy while studying theater at Ithaca College. He eventually moved to the West Coast to pursue a career in stand-up, where he built a close personal and professional bond with director Garry Marshall. Over the years, Nadler contributed jokes to nine of Marshall’s films, including “Pretty Woman,” “Runaway Bride” and “Mother’s Day.” Marshall considered Nadler his good luck charm and gave him on-screen cameo roles in each of those movies.
Nadler’s television credits were equally notable. He worked as a writer and producer on “Happy Days,” “Laverne and Shirley” and “The Odd Couple,” three of the most popular sitcoms of the 1970s. His work on those series helped define the era’s blend of broad humor and warm, character-driven storytelling.
In 1976, while writing for “Laverne and Shirley,” Nadler met Holly Mascott, a new writer who met with him at Paramount to pitch story ideas. The two married on Martha’s Vineyard in 1978 and bought a home there in 1984, where their only child, Charlie, was born. The family’s connection to the island became a lasting part of their lives.
Nadler’s career spanned more than four decades, moving seamlessly between the small screen and the big screen. His ability to craft jokes that felt both timely and timeless made him a sought-after collaborator in Hollywood. Beyond his professional achievements, colleagues remembered him as a generous mentor and a steady presence on set.
He is survived by his son, Charlie, and his wife, Holly. The family has not announced public memorial plans.
