Teri Garr, the versatile and much-loved comic actress known for her iconic roles in Young Frankenstein, Tootsie, and Mr. Mom, has died at the age of 79. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday at her Los Angeles home, with her longtime publicist confirming the cause as complications related to multiple sclerosis, a condition Garr had bravely managed for over two decades.
Garr’s distinctive comedic style, marked by deadpan wit and a unique mix of vulnerability and charm, propelled her to stardom in the 1970s and ’80s. After early work as a dancer in several Elvis Presley films, she transitioned to acting, gaining her first major role as the memorable Inga in Mel Brooks’s Young Frankenstein (1974), opposite Gene Wilder. The film showcased her talent for zany humor, and her fame grew as she brought her signature style to offbeat characters across a series of hit movies.
Her most acclaimed role came in Tootsie (1982), where she played Sandy Lester, a frustrated actress unknowingly upstaged by her friend (played by Dustin Hoffman) who masquerades as a woman to land a role. The role earned Garr an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, cementing her place in Hollywood’s comic pantheon. Over the years, she was also widely recognized for her performances in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Oh, God!, and Mr. Mom, where she challenged gender norms and captured audiences with her relatable portrayals of women dealing with eccentric male counterparts.
In 1999, Garr was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a battle she later made public to raise awareness. Undeterred by her condition, she remained a strong advocate for MS research and continued her career, often speaking openly about the challenges of living with MS. Garr’s optimism and resilience were as defining as her talent; she often attributed her tenacity to her background in show business, where persistence and humor were essential.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Garr remained active in both film and television, notably appearing as Phoebe’s birth mother on Friends, a role that introduced her to a new generation of fans. Her final on-screen appearance came in 2011, though her influence endures in the many beloved roles that continue to captivate audiences.
Garr’s humor, warmth, and resilience left a lasting mark on Hollywood and on her many fans around the world. She is survived by her daughter, Molly O’Neil, and a grandson.
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