Teri Garr, the celebrated actress renowned for her iconic performances in Young Frankenstein and Tootsie, has passed away at the age of 79 due to complications from multiple sclerosis (MS). Her manager, Heidi Schaeffer, confirmed the news on Tuesday. Garr had bravely battled health challenges in her later years, publicly revealing her MS diagnosis in 2002 and sharing that she had been experiencing symptoms for nearly 20 years prior.
Garr’s extensive career spanned over four decades, earning her critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1982 film Tootsie, where she starred alongside Dustin Hoffman. Though she did not win the Oscar, losing out to Maureen Stapleton, Garr’s performance solidified her status as a talented actress in Hollywood.
In addition to Tootsie, Garr is well-remembered for her role as Inga in Mel Brooks’s beloved comedy Young Frankenstein (1974). In this film, she played the charming assistant to Gene Wilder’s Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, delivering memorable lines like, “Vould you like to have a roll in zee hay?” The film, featuring a star-studded cast that included Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman, and Gene Hackman, has since become a classic of the genre.
Garr also appeared in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She made guest appearances on popular television shows, including a memorable three-episode arc on Friends in the late 1990s, where she portrayed Phoebe Abbott, the estranged birth mother of Lisa Kudrow’s character.
Throughout her career, Garr was a beloved figure on sitcoms and late-night talk shows, frequently appearing on The Tonight Show during the Johnny Carson era. Despite her success, Garr faced significant health challenges, including surgery for a brain aneurysm in 2007. She became an outspoken advocate for multiple sclerosis awareness, sharing her journey with others and encouraging discussions about the disease.
Born Teri Ann Garr in 1944 in Cleveland, Ohio, she was raised in a showbiz family. Her father, Eddie Garr, was a vaudeville performer and Broadway actor, while her mother, Phyllis, was a former member of the Rockettes dance troupe. This artistic upbringing inspired Garr to begin taking dance lessons at the tender age of six.
After completing her education in Los Angeles, Garr relocated to New York City to pursue a career in performing arts, initially focusing on ballet before transitioning to acting. She studied at the renowned Actor’s Studio in Manhattan, honing her craft. Garr began her career with small roles in a series of 1960s Elvis Presley films, including Viva Las Vegas and Roustabout, which helped her gain recognition in the industry.
In addition to her film work, Garr appeared on various television shows such as That Girl, Batman, and The Andy Griffith Show. She even played a quirky secretary in an episode of the original Star Trek series and became a regular performer on The Sonny and Cher Show. Despite her successes, Garr often expressed frustration over being typecast as the “ditzy woman,” a theme she addressed in her 2005 autobiography, Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood.
In 1993, Garr married building contractor John O’Neil, and later that year, they welcomed their adopted daughter, Molly O’Neil, into their lives. Garr’s legacy as a talented actress and advocate for health awareness will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Her contributions to cinema and television, as well as her resilience in the face of personal challenges, have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Teri Garr’s unforgettable performances and her commitment to speaking out about her health journey ensure that her spirit will continue to inspire others long after her passing.
