Teri Garr, the beloved and Oscar-nominated actress known for her unforgettable performances in classic films such as Young Frankenstein, Tootsie, and Mr. Mom, has passed away at the age of 79. Her manager, Marc Gurvitz, confirmed her death, which occurred on Tuesday in Los Angeles, nearly two decades after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Garr’s life and career were marked by humor, resilience, and a dedication to her craft that resonated with audiences for over three decades. She publicly shared her MS diagnosis in 2002 in an effort to raise awareness and support others living with the condition. In a candid interview, she described the mixed feelings of fear and resilience she felt upon learning her diagnosis, emphasizing her desire to maintain a positive outlook. “I think everybody is scared and frightened when they hear something like that,” Garr told CNN in her first public discussion about her condition. After experiencing years of unexplained symptoms and visiting numerous doctors, Garr recalled feeling a mix of fear and relief once she finally received an explanation.
Garr was born into a family steeped in the performing arts, with a Broadway performer father and a mother who was a Radio City Rockette. Her early life was dedicated to dance, which laid the foundation for her eventual shift into acting. Upon graduating high school, she pursued auditions and landed early roles as a dancer and extra in films such as Viva Las Vegas, starring Elvis Presley. While she initially appeared in background roles, Garr was determined to stand out. Reflecting on her ambitions, she said, “I finally asked myself, ‘Why am I not in the front?’ I didn’t study all those years to be in the back and get no money.”
The 1970s marked Garr’s rise to fame, beginning with her roles in several popular television shows, including The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, The Odd Couple, and The Bob Newhart Show. However, it was her breakthrough role in Mel Brooks’ 1974 comedy Young Frankenstein that truly catapulted her to stardom. Playing the role of Inga, Garr showcased her impeccable comic timing alongside co-stars Gene Wilder and Marty Feldman. The success of Young Frankenstein opened doors to other prominent roles, including her performance as Ronnie Neary in Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi epic Close Encounters of the Third Kind in 1977.
In 1982, Garr delivered a standout performance in Tootsie, portraying Sandy Lester, a struggling actress in a turbulent relationship with Dustin Hoffman’s character. Her role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a career milestone that she fondly recalled in her memoir, Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood. “The Academy not only knew I existed, they thought I was good!” Garr wrote, expressing her pride in the recognition.
Dustin Hoffman, her Tootsie co-star, remembered Garr as “brilliant and singular in all she did, and had a heart of gold.” The pair shared an unmistakable on-screen chemistry that remains iconic in film history.
Following Tootsie, Garr continued to make her mark in Hollywood with memorable roles. In Mr. Mom, she starred alongside Michael Keaton in a comedy about a couple who switch traditional parental roles, reflecting Garr’s penchant for roles that challenged gender stereotypes. In a 2012 interview, Garr explained that she gravitated toward parts that portrayed women with intelligence and independence. “I resent it when they write the part of a woman who’s just a sexy femme fatale who seduces people to get her way, instead of using their brains or their wit,” she said.
As the years went on, Garr’s career continued to flourish, with roles in film and television. Throughout the 1990s, she appeared in shows like Good & Evil (1991), Good Advice (1994), and Women of the House (1995). She was also known for her portrayal of Phoebe Buffay’s mother on the hit show Friends, a role that showcased her zany comic style and endeared her to a new generation of fans. Lisa Kudrow, her Friend’s co-star, praised Garr as a “comedic acting genius” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside her.
In addition to her acting work, Garr also ventured into voice acting, lending her voice to the animated series Batman Beyond and What’s New, Scooby-Doo? Her versatility and unique comic sensibility kept her in demand across various genres.
Garr’s final television appearance came in 2011 on the show How to Marry a Billionaire, a fitting capstone to a career defined by wit, warmth, and resilience. Even in her later years, she remained a passionate advocate for those living with MS, encouraging others to approach life’s challenges with optimism. “I think some people want you to be upset,” Garr once reflected. “Not only am I not upset, but I’m okay. I don’t see any profit in being down.” She credited her resilience in part to her show-business background, where rejection was part of the job. “I would say, ‘But I’m smart, I’m talented, I’m this, I’m that!!’ I’ve always been able to do that, and I do it now with MS,” she explained, showing her characteristic humor and determination.
On social media, former co-stars, friends, and fans have shared heartfelt tributes honoring Garr’s legacy. Michael Keaton expressed his sorrow, writing, “This is a day I feared and knew was coming,” and described Garr not only as a talented actress but also as a wonderful person and a joy to be around.
Garr’s legacy endures through her timeless performances, her dedication to her craft, and her resilience in the face of life’s challenges. She leaves behind a body of work that has touched audiences for generations, with films and characters that continue to inspire laughter, admiration, and respect.