Celebrated Actress Teri Garr Dies at 79, Leaving Behind Iconic Roles and a Legacy of Resilience

Teri Garr, the Oscar-nominated actress best known for roles in Young Frankenstein, Tootsie, and Mr. Mom, passed away at 79 in Los Angeles. Her manager, Marc Gurvitz, confirmed her death, over twenty years after Garr was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Garr first shared her diagnosis in 2002 to raise awareness, aiming to uplift those facing similar battles.

Reflecting on her diagnosis, Garr described the experience of hearing she had MS after consulting with multiple doctors. "It’s frightening," she shared in an interview, noting how difficult it was to find information and connect with others facing the same journey. "But I’m still living my life."

Raised by a Broadway performer and a Rockette, Garr was passionate about the arts from a young age. She pursued dance and acting in Los Angeles, starting her career in minor roles and dancing in films like Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas. Determined to make a name for herself, she eventually asked herself why she wasn’t in the spotlight. Her commitment paid off as her talent was soon recognized, paving the way for her big break in Hollywood.

The 1970s were especially prolific for Garr, who appeared in a wide array of television shows like The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, and The Odd Couple. Her true breakthrough arrived in 1974 with Young Frankenstein, Mel Brooks’ comedy classic, in which she starred alongside Gene Wilder. In 1977, she took on another unforgettable role in Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind, as a wife struggling to understand her husband’s obsession with an alien encounter.

In Tootsie, she portrayed a struggling actress and love interest to Dustin Hoffman’s character, a performance that earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 1983 Academy Awards. Reflecting on this career milestone, Garr said, "The Academy not only knew I existed; they thought I was good!" She continued to star in other memorable films, including Mr. Mom (1983) alongside Michael Keaton.

Garr’s roles often broke gender stereotypes, something she consciously championed. She spoke out against parts that reduced women to shallow stereotypes, advocating for characters that used intelligence and wit. This commitment to authentic, strong female roles made her a Hollywood favorite.

Throughout the 1990s, Garr continued to take on diverse roles, appearing in Good & Evil (1991), Good Advice (1994), and Women of the House (1995). Her sense of humor and talent also made her a perfect choice to play Phoebe Buffay's mother on Friends, a fan-favorite role she took on for three episodes. Later, Garr explored voice acting in animated series like Batman Beyond and What’s New, Scooby-Doo?

Despite her MS diagnosis, Garr continued to work in Hollywood through the 2000s, maintaining her trademark optimism. In a 2012 interview, she reflected on her resilience, sharing that "staying positive" and seeing no benefit in "being down" helped her persevere. Garr’s determination and spirit extended beyond acting, inspiring fans and raising awareness about MS.

Teri Garr leaves behind a legacy of wit, resilience, and memorable performances. Her career stands as a testament to her talent and determination, impacting fans and colleagues alike.