Teri Garr, the beloved comedy actress who effortlessly charmed audiences in iconic films like Young Frankenstein and Tootsie, has sadly passed away at the age of 79. According to her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, Garr died on Tuesday, surrounded by her family and friends, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.
Born to a show business family, Garr’s father was the vaudeville comedian Eddie Garr, and her mother was Phyllis Lind, an original Rockette from New York’s Radio City Music Hall. It was only natural, then, that Garr would pursue a career in showbusiness. She began dance lessons at six and by 14 was performing with the San Francisco and Los Angeles ballet companies. Her big break came when she was 16, joining the road company of West Side Story in Los Angeles.
Garr’s career spanned over five decades, with film credits including The Conversation, Young Frankenstein, Oh God!, Mr. Mom, and Tootsie. Her talents were not limited to comedy, as she also shone in dramas such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Black Stallion, and The Escape Artist. Her unique blend of wit, charm, and off-centre appeal made her a standout in the industry.
In addition to her film and television work, Garr was known for her feisty spirit and quick wit, often appearing as a guest on David Letterman’s Late Night show. Her friendship with Letterman was so strong that rumors of a romantic relationship spread, further cementing her reputation as a beloved and endearing figure in the entertainment industry.
Teri Garr (Image via Getty)
Garr’s life, however, was not without its challenges. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, after years of suffering from mysterious symptoms. Her struggles with the condition led her to become a spokesperson for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, using her platform to raise awareness and reduce stigma around the disease.
Throughout her career, Garr has spoken candidly about her experiences, revealing her fears of being typecast as a comedic actress and her struggles to balance her personal life with her professional one. In her 2005 autobiography, Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood, she reflected on her decision not to discuss her age, citing her mother’s advice to never reveal one’s true age in the competitive world of showbusiness.
Garr is survived by her daughter, Molly O’Neil, and grandson, Tyryn. Her legacy will undoubtedly be remembered through her beloved film roles, her tireless advocacy for multiple sclerosis awareness, and the countless lives she touched and inspired throughout her career.
