Celebrated for her distinct comedic flair and memorable roles in “Young Frankenstein” and “Tootsie,” Teri Garr has passed away at the age of 79. She died on Tuesday from complications of multiple sclerosis in the presence of her loved ones, according to The Associated Press. Garr also faced several health challenges over the years, including an aneurysm for which she had surgery in January 2007.

Garr’s remarkable career in Hollywood, stretching across four decades, boasts over 140 film and television roles and includes an Academy Award nomination among numerous other honors.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, specifically in North Hollywood, Garr was the daughter of a comedic actor and a studio costume designer. She began her foray into entertainment as a teenager, initially performing as a background dancer in Elvis Presley’s musical films. Her educational journey took her to the prestigious Lee Strasberg Institute in New York to refine her acting prowess.

Garr first gained significant attention with her appearance in a 1968 “Star Trek” episode, which led to more prominent roles in film and television.

Frau Blucher (Cloris Leachman), Inga (Teri Garr), and Dr. Frankenstein (Gene Wilder).

Her most memorable performances were during the 1970s and 1980s, including roles in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Conversation” and Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Her critically acclaimed performance in “Tootsie” garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She continued to captivate audiences with roles in films such as “Mr. Mom” and Martin Scorsese’s “After Hours.”

LOS ANGELES – MAY 18: Teri Garr at the 19th Annual Race to Erase MS gala held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on May 18, 2012 in Century City, California

Garr also became a fan favorite on late-night television, appearing frequently on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and “Late Night with David Letterman,” where her humor and charisma were always on full display.

Teri Garr AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) benefit, Los Angeles- Sept. 1990

In the late 1990s, Garr’s life took a challenging turn when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a condition she went public with in 2002. Despite her health struggles, she continued to engage in the arts and advocate for multiple sclerosis awareness until she retired in 2011.

“So very sorry to hear about Teri Garr’s passing,” Mel Brooks tweeted on Tuesday. “She was so talented and so funny. Her humor and lively spirit made the YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN set a pleasure to work on. Her “German” accent had us all in stitches! She will be greatly missed.”

So very sorry to hear about Teri Garr’s passing. She was so talented and so funny. Her humor and lively spirit made the YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN set a pleasure to work on. Her “German” accent had us all in stitches! She will be greatly missed.

— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) October 29, 2024

Garr is survived by her daughter, Molly O’Neil, and a grandson, Tyryn.

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