Actress Teri Gar Passes Away at 79
Teri Garr, the Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in Young Frankenstein, Mr. Mom, and Tootsie, has passed away at 79 in Los Angeles. Her death comes after a long 20-year battle with multiple sclerosis, a condition she publicly discussed in 2002 to help raise awareness for others affected by it.
Garr’s publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, confirmed she died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. Despite her struggles with the chronic autoimmune disease, Garr also faced additional health issues, including a 2007 surgery to repair an aneurysm.
Garr’s entry into the entertainment world began with dancing. Encouraged by her mother, a former dancer, she started taking dance classes at six and got her first professional break in the touring company of West Side Story in Los Angeles.
Garr’s early career saw her performing as a background dancer in Elvis Presley films, a unique beginning that led her to television roles in shows like Batman and Dr. Kildare before transitioning into full-fledged acting roles.
Her career took off in 1974 when she was cast in a supporting role in the thriller The Conversation, followed by a breakthrough role in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein as the humorous lab assistant with a German accent.
This performance cemented Garr’s reputation as a skilled comedic actress, and she soon became a recurring guest on Late Night with David Letterman, further establishing her comedy credentials. Her blend of wit and charm on screen made her a favorite among audiences.
While Garr was most celebrated for her comedic roles, her talent extended to dramatic performances as well. She took on memorable roles in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind and the family adventure film The Black Stallion.
Her versatility allowed her to appear in a variety of television shows, including Star Trek and That Girl, showcasing her range as both a comedic and dramatic actor.
