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Teri Garr, the Oscar-nominated actress celebrated for her performances in films such as Young Frankenstein, Tootsie, and Mr. Mom has passed away at the age of 79.
Her manager, Marc Gurvitz, confirmed that Garr died on Tuesday in Los Angeles, marking the end of a decades-long battle with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The actress, who was diagnosed with the condition more than 20 years ago, had gone public with her illness in 2002 to raise awareness for others living with MS.
“I think everybody is scared and frightened when they hear something like that,” Garr had shared during an interview with CNN at the time, recounting the challenges she faced before receiving a diagnosis. After visiting 11 doctors and enduring years of unexplained symptoms.
She added, “That’s because there’s so much – you know, there’s not a lot of information out there about it. 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 show business, Garr was the daughter of a Broadway performer and a Radio City Rockette. She grew up studying dance in Los Angeles, where she began auditioning shortly after finishing high school. Her earliest roles were as a dancer and extra, including a part in Elvis Presley’s ‘Viva Las Vegas.’
Reflecting on those early days, Garr once said, “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.”
Garr’s breakthrough came during the 1970s, a prolific period in which she made several television appearances on hit shows like The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, The Odd Couple, and The Bob Newhart Show. Her unique talent, charm, and versatility earned her critical acclaim, with her role in Tootsie earning her an Academy Award nomination.
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