Teri Garr, the beloved comedy actress celebrated for her roles in “Young Frankenstein” and “Tootsie,” passed away at age 79 due to complications from multiple sclerosis. Garr’s career spanned decades, marked by a distinct comedic talent that took her from a background dancer to a starring figure in Hollywood. Her passing, announced by publicist Heidi Schaeffer, took place on Tuesday, with family and friends by her side.
Early Life in Show Business
Garr’s journey into entertainment started young. Born in Los Angeles, she grew up with a love for the arts, encouraged by her show-business family. Her father, Eddie, was a traveling comedian, and her mother, Phyllis, was a former dancer. By age six, Garr had begun dance lessons, later performing with ballet companies in San Francisco and Los Angeles. She eventually joined a touring production of “West Side Story” in Los Angeles at 16, a role she famously secured after returning to her audition in a different outfit.
Rise to Hollywood Fame
Her career took off as she found work as a background dancer, appearing in nine Elvis Presley films, including “Viva Las Vegas” and “Clambake.” Her screen presence soon transitioned into television, with guest appearances on shows like “Star Trek” and “Batman.” Garr’s versatility caught the eye of directors, leading her to a breakout role in 1974’s “The Conversation,” where she played Gene Hackman’s girlfriend. This part opened doors, ultimately leading to Teri Garr iconic role as Inga in “Young Frankenstein,” a character she perfected with a German accent learned from Cher’s wig-maker.
A Comedic Legacy
Her role in “Young Frankenstein” won over audiences and critics alike, with New Yorker critic Pauline Kael praising her as “the funniest neurotic dizzy dame on the screen.” Garr’s comedic prowess continued to shine in films like “Oh, God!” with George Burns and “Tootsie,” in which she starred alongside Dustin Hoffman. Her work in “Tootsie” earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Garr’s charm and spontaneous humor, marked by a distinctive smile, defined her on-screen persona and made her a favorite of directors and audiences.
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Talent Beyond Comedy
Though known for comedy, Garr showed dramatic range in films such as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “The Black Stallion.” She expressed a desire for deeper, more complex roles, stating she’d wanted to play characters like “Norma Rae” or “Sophie’s Choice” but was often typecast in comic roles. Despite this, she left a lasting impact with her multi-dimensional talent.
A Private Battle with MS
In the early 1980s, Garr began experiencing health symptoms, initially mild but eventually diagnosed as multiple sclerosis in 1999. She kept her condition private until 2003, fearing it would impact her career. Upon going public, Garr became a spokesperson for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, approaching her role with characteristic humor and resilience.
Life Beyond Film
In addition to acting, Teri Garr regularly appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, where her witty banter with Letterman led to a memorable on-screen dynamic. Off-screen, she married contractor John O’Neill in 1993, and the couple adopted a daughter, Molly, before divorcing in 1996. Garr continued acting, including appearances on “Friends” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
Garr’s influence on comedy and film endures. Her legacy as a spirited and gifted actress will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike. She is survived by her daughter, Molly, and grandson, Tyryn.
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