LOS ANGELES: Oscar-nominated actress Teri Garr, renowned for her captivating roles in films like Tootsie and Young Frankenstein, passed away at the age of 79. Garr died on Tuesday in Los Angeles due to complications from multiple sclerosis, according to her publicist Heidi Schaeffer.
Garr’s performance in Tootsie, alongside Dustin Hoffman, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1982. In 2002, Garr publicly disclosed her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis after years of experiencing symptoms, becoming an outspoken advocate for MS research and awareness. She faced additional health challenges in 2007 when she underwent surgery for a brain aneurysm, temporarily affecting her mobility.
Reflecting on her recovery, Garr once joked, “I had to learn to walk again, to talk again and to think again, which I’m not even sure is necessary in Hollywood.” Her wit and spirit resonated with fans and colleagues alike, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.
In Young Frankenstein, directed by Mel Brooks, Garr’s portrayal of a German lab assistant left a lasting impression. Brooks shared his condolences, recalling her “German” accent that brought laughter to the set. "Her humor and lively spirit made the Young Frankenstein set a pleasure to work on," Brooks wrote.
Michael Keaton, who starred alongside Garr in Mr. Mom, also paid tribute, remembering her both as a talented actress and a wonderful person. He urged fans to revisit her comedic performances, saying, “Go back and watch her comedic work – man, was she great!”
Steve Martin, too, expressed his admiration for Garr’s talent and charm.
Beyond comedy, Garr made notable appearances in drama as well, such as her role in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, where she played the wife of a man obsessed with UFOs in Steven Spielberg’s classic.
Throughout her life, Garr credited her humor for helping her navigate life’s challenges, emphasizing that “a sense of humor and attitude is the most important thing in everything.”
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