Teri Garr, the beloved actress known for her iconic roles in Young Frankenstein and Tootsie, has passed away at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and resilience. Her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, confirmed that Garr died on Tuesday, surrounded by family and friends, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.
Born in Ohio in 1944, Garr was immersed in the world of entertainment from an early age. Her father was a vaudeville performer, while her mother danced as a Rockette and later worked in costume production. The Garr family, which included Teri and her two older brothers, eventually settled in Los Angeles, where the magic of Hollywood beckoned.
Garr’s early life was not without its challenges. Her father’s death when she was just 11 years old forced her mother to become the family’s rock. “She put two kids through school,” Garr reflected in a 2008 interview with the Los Angeles Times. Her mother’s strength and determination inspired Teri, who would go on to carve her own path in show business.
Initially trained as a ballet dancer, Garr’s journey in Hollywood began on a somewhat unconventional note. She appeared in six Elvis Presley films, including the classic Viva Las Vegas. But as Garr humorously recounted in a 1980 interview with Roger Ebert, she grew tired of being a background dancer. “I trained for 10 years. I finally asked myself, ‘Why am I not in the front?’” This moment marked a turning point in her career, leading her to pursue acting full-time.
Her breakthrough came with her role in The Monkees 1968 film Head, where she showcased her comedic talent. This was followed by an appearance in the Star Trek episode “Assignment: Earth,” which solidified her presence in the industry. Her charisma and charm quickly made her a fan favorite, and her stint on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour further elevated her profile.
In 1974, Garr starred in the Mel Brooks classic Young Frankenstein, playing Inga, Dr. Frankenstein’s assistant. It was a role that she secured partly due to her mother’s connections in the wardrobe department. “I asked my mom if they’d finished casting,” she recalled. After several auditions, she landed the role that would define her career. Her comedic timing and German accent, learned from Cher’s wig lady, became legendary.
Garr’s career continued to flourish with her Oscar-nominated performance in Tootsie, where she played opposite Dustin Hoffman. Film critic Pauline Kael praised her as “the funniest neurotic dizzy dame on the screen.” Though she lost the Oscar to her co-star Jessica Lange, Garr’s performance left an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike.
Throughout the 1980s, Garr starred in a series of films, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Mr. Mom, and After Hours. Despite her success, Garr faced challenges in an industry often dominated by male counterparts. She fought for richer, more nuanced roles, but the struggle was real. “You don’t have to have too much of a brain in this business to realize that the only way you’ll ever get to do anything that you really want to do is to become a director,” she observed in a candid moment about her career frustrations.
Garr’s television appearances were equally noteworthy, with memorable roles in shows like MASH* and The Bob Newhart Show. She was a favorite guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman. Garr recalled how her appearances often turned her into the “court jester,” a title she wore with pride.
In the late 1990s, Garr faced personal challenges when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She shared her struggles in her memoir, Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood, revealing the toll the illness took on her career. Despite the setbacks, she became a national ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, using her platform to raise awareness about the disease.
Garr’s contributions to Hollywood and her fight against MS showcased her resilience and spirit. She retired from acting in 2011, but her legacy lives on through her remarkable body of work and the laughter she brought to so many.
Teri Garr is survived by her daughter, Molly O’Neil, and grandson, Tyryn. As we remember Garr, we celebrate not only her incredible talent but also her unyielding spirit in the face of adversity—a true icon of comedy and strength.
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