Los Angeles — Teri Garr, an actress celebrated for her deft comic touch in classics such as "Young Frankenstein" and "Tootsie," passed away at the age of 79. Garr, whose career spanned over 140 film and television credits, died surrounded by family and friends due to complications related to multiple sclerosis on Tuesday, according to her publicist Heidi Schaeffer.
Born in Lakewood, Ohio, in 1944, Garr grew up in a show business family. Her father, a vaudeville performer, and her mother, a former Rockette who later worked in costume production, instilled in her a deep love for the performing arts. The family relocated to New Jersey, ultimately settling in Los Angeles, which became the springboard for Garr’s entertainment career.
Garr’s entry into the performing world began with dancing, her early aspirations guided by her studies in ballet. She eventually moved to New York City to pursue acting, fine-tuning her craft at the prestigious Actors Studio and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. It wasn’t long before her dance background helped launch her Hollywood journey, landing her roles in film and television including appearances in six Elvis Presley movies like "Viva Las Vegas."
Her persistence to break out of chorus line roles led Garr to significant parts on screen. Her role as Inga in Mel Brooks’ "Young Frankenstein" marked a pivotal turn in her career. This role, along with her spirited appearance alongside Gene Wilder, showcased her ability to blend humor with a distinct earnestness that became her trademark.
Garr’s success continued to ascend with her performance in "Tootsie" (1982), where she starred opposite Dustin Hoffman. Her portrayal of a love-struck soap opera actress earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her role was lauded as a highlight of the film, underscoring her capacity to infuse comedic roles with vulnerability and warmth.
Despite her comedic flair, Garr also demonstrated a wide dramatic range, notably in Steven Spielberg’s "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she remained a versatile figure in Hollywood, navigating an industry that often underwrote female roles for comedic effect.
Garr’s television career was equally prolific, making notable appearances in shows such as "MAS*H," "The Bob Newhart Show," and as a host on "Saturday Night Live." She was a frequent guest on late-night talk shows, charming audiences with her quick wit and engaging stories.
In 2002, Garr publicly disclosed her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, an illness she had been quietly battling since the 1990s. Her revelation brought attention to the struggles of working in Hollywood while managing a chronic disease. Garr became an advocate for MS awareness, taking on roles with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and sharing her journey in her memoir "Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood."
Despite her health battles, Garr’s resilient spirit shone through her advocacy and continued work in television and film, even though she significantly slowed down her output after her diagnosis. She retired from acting in 2011, dedicating herself to her health and family.
Garr’s legacy is survived by her daughter Molly O’Neil, grandson Tyryn, and a legion of fans who remember her as a trailblazer who brought depth and delight to every role she inhabited. Her passing marks the end of a chapter for one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic talents, whose influence on screen and off remains indelible.