This monkey costume was worn by the character “Laverne DeFazio” portrayed by actress Penny Marshall in the classic television series “Laverne and Shirley”, which ran from 1976-1983. The costume consists of a green long sleeve leotard with an appliquéd pink fabric “belly”, brown faux fur trim at the neck, cuffs, and around the hips, and a red pillbox hat with latex monkey ears and a red ribbon tie. The wired monkey tail is attached to a pair of nude under shorts. The costume was custom made for the actress’s use by Fantasy Fair of Hollywood, and has the original costumer’s label sewn inside with the name “Penny” handwritten in faded black ink. The cloth “L” seen in the episode was removed from the breast for possible use in a subsequent production.
The actress wore the costume in “The 2nd (Almost) Annual Shotz Talent Show” (Season 3, Episode 16) during the “Aba Daba Honeymoon” roller skating number alongside series costar Cindy Williams (as “Shirley Feeney”). The episode originally aired on Jan. 31, 1978.
“Laverne and Shirley” was nominated for four Golden Globes over the course of its seven-year run, and costume designer Al Lehman received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Costume Design For a Series in 1979.
The costume is in good vintage screen worn condition with substantial evidence of age on the latex monkey ears and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity.
Presented by The Golden Closet, your premier source for iconic screen used wardrobe, props, and collectible music entertainment memorabilia. |
