Teri Garr, the Oscar-nominated actress best known for her roles in classics like Young Frankenstein, Tootsie, and Mr. Mom, passed away at the age of 79. Garr’s manager, Marc Gurvitz, confirmed her death, which occurred on Tuesday in Los Angeles, over two decades after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In a candid 2002 interview, Garr first publicly shared her battle with the condition, aiming to raise awareness and encourage others.
Garr began her career as a dancer and worked her way up from small roles to starring in major films. Her big break came in Mel Brooks’ 1974 comedy Young Frankenstein, where she starred as Inga. She later earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Tootsie, and played memorable roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Mr. Mom. In her memoir, Speedbumps: Flooring it Through Hollywood, Garr expressed her pride in being recognized by the Academy, writing, “The Academy not only knew I existed, they thought I was good!”
Throughout her career, Garr consistently played characters that challenged stereotypes about women, which she expressed satisfaction about in interviews. Her knack for zany comic timing also earned her a beloved guest role as Phoebe Buffay’s mother on Friends. She continued working in television and voice acting throughout the 2000s, and made her last screen appearance in 2011.
Despite her diagnosis, Garr remained a vocal advocate for those living with MS, maintaining her characteristic optimism. She often shared how she dealt with obstacles in her career and health, highlighting her resilience and determination. Reflecting on her approach, she said, “I don’t see any profit in being down… I’ve always been a feisty person.”
