Teri Garr, an Oscar-nominated actress best known for her work in films including Young Frankenstein and Tootsie, died at the age of 79, according to her management. Garr died on Tuesday in Los Angeles, more than 20 years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
She officially disclosed her condition in a 2002 CNN interview to raise awareness, noting that despite the difficulties, she was determined to live her life fully.
The daughter of a Broadway performer and a Rockette, Garr began her career in dance and auditioned for film roles in Los Angeles after high school. She gained fame in the 1970s, appearing on various television shows, and achieved a major breakthrough in 1974 with her role as Inga in Young Frankenstein. In 1977, she starred in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Tootsie.
Garr continues to push gender norms in her work, most notably in Mr. Mom with Michael Keaton. Keaton praised her on Instagram, noting both her talent and her warmth. Garr maintained a popular humorous approach throughout her career, landing her a part as Lisa Kudrow’s mother on Friends.
In addition to her acting career, Garr was an advocate for those living with MS, maintaining an optimistic outlook despite her health challenges. Her last credit was in the 2011 series How to Marry a Billionaire. Throughout her life, Garr remained a beloved figure in Hollywood, celebrated for her talent and spirit.