Oscar-nominated actress Teri Garr, best known for her standout roles in Young Frankenstein, Tootsie, and Mr. Mom, has passed away at 79.
Her manager, Marc Gurvitz, confirmed her passing on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Garr had been managing a lengthy struggle with multiple sclerosis (MS), a battle she publicly acknowledged over two decades ago to support awareness for others with the condition.
In 2002, she opened up about her experience with MS in an interview with CNN, saying, “I think everybody is scared and frightened when they hear something like that.”
Garr recounted her frustration before receiving a diagnosis, having seen 11 doctors over the years and experiencing unexplained symptoms.
“That’s because there’s so much – you know, there’s not a lot of information out there about it,” she explained. “And a lot of people don’t know that it’s not that bad. I mean, I’m going on with my life.”
Born into an entertainment family, Garr was the daughter of a Broadway performer and a Radio City Rockette.
Growing up in Los Angeles, she trained in dance from a young age and launched her career in show business shortly after high school. She initially appeared as a dancer and extra in projects like Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas.
Reflecting on those early days, Garr once remarked, “I finally asked myself, Why am I not in the front? I didn’t study all those years to be in the back and get no money.”
The 1970s became Garr’s breakthrough era, with frequent appearances on popular television shows such as The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, The Odd Couple, and The Bob Newhart Show.
Her distinctive talent and versatility in comedy and drama brought her critical acclaim, and her performance in Tootsie earned her an Academy Award nomination.
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