Writer and comedian Marty Nadler dies at 80 in Florida
Writer and comedian Marty Nadler, who helped shape classic sitcoms including "Happy Days," "Laverne and Shirley" and "The Odd Couple," died in Margate, Florida, on Aug. 26. He was 80. His son, Charlie Nadler, said he died due to complications from myasthenia gravis.
Nadler's death marks the loss of a behind-the-scenes figure whose jokes and story ideas helped define television comedy across multiple decades. For fans tracking legacy TV talent, more updates appear in our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
Key Takeaways
- Marty Nadler died Aug. 26 in Margate, Florida, at age 80 from myasthenia gravis complications.
- He wrote for "Happy Days," "Laverne and Shirley," and "The Odd Couple."
- Nadler contributed jokes to nine Garry Marshall films, including "Pretty Woman."
- He and his son Charlie performed stand-up together, with a special set for 2027 release.
- Nadler is survived by his ex-wife, son Charlie, and daughter-in-law Cary Kandel.
What Shows Did Marty Nadler Write For?
Nadler worked as a producer, sitcom writer and stand-up comedian across some of television's most beloved comedies. His credits included "Happy Days," "Laverne and Shirley" and "The Odd Couple" — sitcoms that shaped 1970s and 1980s network TV.
While writing for "Laverne and Shirley" in 1976, Nadler met fellow writer Holly Mascott at Paramount. The two married on Martha's Vineyard in 1978 and bought a home there in 1984, where their son Charlie was born.
How Did Marty Nadler Connect With Garry Marshall?
Born in the Bronx in 1945, Nadler moved west to pursue comedy after discovering stand-up as a theater major at Ithaca College. He developed a close personal and professional relationship with director Garry Marshall.
Nadler contributed jokes to nine Marshall movies, 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 films.
Who Survives Marty Nadler?
Nadler is survived by his ex-wife, with whom he remained close friends, along with their son Charlie and daughter-in-law Cary Kandel. He will be interred on Martha's Vineyard.
Charlie Nadler followed his father into stand-up, and the two performed together around the country. They recently recorded their act at The Garry Marshall Theatre in Los Angeles, titled "A Boomer and A Millennial Walk Into a Special," set for early 2027 release by Comedy Dynamics.
What Legacy Does Marty Nadler Leave Behind?
Charlie Nadler described their recent Garry Marshall Theatre recording as "a magical evening with family, friends, and colleagues from all chapters of dad's life in attendance." That special will serve as a final public showcase of their shared comedy.
Variety first reported Nadler's death. For the full obituary and career details, see the original Variety report.