The American actress Teri Garr, an adorable performer nominated for an Oscar for her role in “Tootsie” and who starred alongside Gene Wilder in “Frankenstein Junior”, died today, Tuesday 29 October, at her home in Los Angeles all age of 79 years. Garr revealed that she was suffering from multiple sclerosis during an interview on Larry King’s CNN program in October 2002. In 2006 she underwent emergency surgery for a brain aneurysm. His last screen appearance was in 2011.
Born in Lakewood, Ohio, on December 11, 1944, daughter of Eddie Garr (1900-1956), Broadway actor, and dancer Phyllis Lind (1909-1999), Teri Garr studied dance and acting first at University of California and then to the Actor’s Studio in New York. She made her debut as a dancer in some films paired with Elvis Presley, including “The Idol of Acapulco (1963), “The Mount of Venus” (1964) and “Viva Las Vegas” (1964), establishing herself as a performer with comic timing perfect and with a disarming smile.
The actress achieved success with “Frankenstein Junior” (1974) by Mel Brooks, where she excelled as Inga, the comely assistant of Doctor Frederick von Frankenstein (Gene Wilder). Garr also stood out as the girlfriend of paranoid surveillance expert Gene Hackman in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Conversation” (1974); she played John Denver’s resilient wife in “Welcome Home God!” (1977) by Carl Reiner; she was Richard Dreyfuss’s indulgent companion in Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977); had a relationship with Raul Julia in the musical “A Long Dream” (1981) by Coppola; and was Michael Keaton’s working wife in “Mr. Mom” (1983), written by John Hughes. She received an Oscar nomination for supporting actress for her role as Dustin Hoffman’s insecure friend in Sydney Pollack’s “Tootsie” (1982). On the big screen he also had roles in “After Hours” (1985) by Martin Scorsese and “Prêt-à-Porter” (1994) by Robert Altman. She subsequently played the role of Phoebe Buffay’s mother, played by Lisa Kudrow, in the television series “Friends”, as well as taking part in numerous TV films.
Teri Garr, who dated and lived for several years with producer and future MHM co-CEO Roger Birnbaum, was married to entrepreneur John O’Neill from 1993 until their divorce in 1996. The couple adopted a daughter , Molly.
In 1999 she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Since then the actress has been actively involved in various associations to help those suffering from the same disease as her and was an ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and chaired the Woman Against MS programs. “My body had a trick or two up its sleeve. A stumble here, a tingling finger there. I had trained as a dancer and knew better than to indulge the random aches and pains that arose from time to time. Being a Hollywood actress success can be a challenge, but I didn’t know that the very body that had always been my calling card would betray me,” Garr said in an interview about his illness. (by Paolo Martini)
Remembering Teri Garr: A Talented Performer and MS Advocate
Well, folks, it’s a bit of a somber day in the world of entertainment. Teri Garr, the delightful actress who danced her way into our hearts—and occasionally onto some rather questionable film sets—has passed away at the tender age of 79. Talk about an exit strategy! She took to Los Angeles like Elvis took to sequins, but sadly, the curtain has fallen.
Born in the well-respected town of Lakewood, Ohio—a veritable hotbed of cinematic talent—Garr was the daughter of Broadway royalty. Can you imagine growing up with a dad who trod the boards? It’s like being raised by a walking Tony Award! Teri studied dance and acting, delighting audiences and presumably exasperating her dance teachers along the way with her undeniable comic timing and that killer smile—which, I might add, could probably launch a thousand ships. Or at least a few mediocre rom-coms.
Now let’s talk about her breakout role in Mel Brooks’ Frankenstein Junior. She played Inga, the groovy assistant to the mad doctor, and I must say, her comic chops were on full display. She was like the fun cousin at a family gathering who somehow manages to convince everyone to join in a game of charades. In fact, between her roles in films like The Conversation and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, she seemed to tackle every genre with that bewildering ability to shine in whatever role was thrown her way. It’s almost like having a Swiss Army knife, but instead of tools, it’s just charisma.
Ah, but the pièce de résistance—her Oscar nomination for Tootsie. She was Dustin Hoffman’s insecure friend, and if that’s not a role begging for you to hug a popcorn bucket while laughing and crying simultaneously, I don’t know what is! Just imagine trying to hold back those tears while your date’s over there thinking, “Is this butter on my popcorn, or just my despair thinning?”
Of course, Garr’s life wasn’t just about snappy one-liners and box-office hits. In 1999, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and decided to turn her struggle into a public mission. This wasn’t just ‘poor me, send flowers,’ oh no! She became an advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and chaired some programs to help other women battling the treacherous road of MS. Just goes to show that even in our darkest moments, we can still shine a light for others. A bit like a candle in a blackout, minus the potential fire hazard.
But let’s not kid ourselves—this was a woman who had some glamorous stories to tell. She had relationships that could be straight out of a Hollywood script, including a marriage to an entrepreneur that lasted a solid three years. Not bad, but then again, she probably had more impressive makeup on her shelf than a typical marriage length in Tinseltown!
In recent years, Garr’s appearances dwindled, perhaps akin to a rare comet sighting, but through it all, she maintained that cheeky charm and resilience that initially captured our hearts. Teri Garr wasn’t just an actress; she was a symbol of perseverance and humor amidst life’s unpredictable twists.
So, hats off to Teri Garr! May her legacy live on in every belly laugh and awkward first date in the annals of cinema history. Thank you for the laughs, the hugs, and for teaching us that no matter how many tricks life has up its sleeve, we can outsmart them all with a smile and a bit of humor!
Farewell, Teri Garr
Here’s to the memories! Raise a glass, share a laugh, and remember—life, much like her roles, is best lived with a bit of cheeky charm and a hearty dose of resilience.
The beloved American actress Teri Garr, best known for her endearing performances, has passed away today, Tuesday, October 29, at the age of 79 in her Los Angeles home. Garr was nominated for an Academy Award for her standout role in the acclaimed film “Tootsie,” where she portrayed the character of an insecure friend to Dustin Hoffman. In addition, she endeared herself to audiences by starring alongside the legendary Gene Wilder in the comedy classic “Frankenstein Junior.” In a candid interview on Larry King’s CNN program in October 2002, Garr disclosed her battle with multiple sclerosis, a condition that she valiantly faced for over two decades. Furthermore, in 2006, she underwent emergency surgery for a brain aneurysm, showcasing her resilience in the face of health challenges. Her last appearance on screen occurred in 2011, marking the end of a remarkable career that left an indelible mark on the film industry.
Teri Garr was born in Lakewood, Ohio, on December 11, 1944, to Broadway actor Eddie Garr and dancer Phyllis Lind. She honed her acting and dance skills first at the University of California and later at the prestigious Actor’s Studio in New York City. Making her mark as a dancer, Garr appeared in several films alongside the iconic Elvis Presley, including “The Idol of Acapulco” (1963), “The Mount of Venus” (1964), and the electrifying “Viva Las Vegas” (1964). Throughout her career, she captured the hearts of audiences with her impeccable comic timing and infectious smile that could light up any screen.
Garr achieved notable success in Mel Brooks’ “Frankenstein Junior” (1974), where she shone as Inga, the charming assistant to Gene Wilder’s Doctor Frederick von Frankenstein. Her talent also shined brightly in “The Conversation” (1974), directed by Francis Ford Coppola, where she played the girlfriend of surveillance expert Gene Hackman. Other memorable roles included portraying John Denver’s resilient wife in Carl Reiner’s “Welcome Home, God!” (1977), being the supportive partner of Richard Dreyfuss in Steven Spielberg’s iconic sci-fi film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977), and depicting a working wife alongside Michael Keaton in “Mr. Mom” (1983) written by John Hughes. Garr received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her poignant portrayal in “Tootsie” (1982). Additionally, she made appearances in Martin Scorsese’s “After Hours” (1985) and Robert Altman’s “Prêt-à-Porter” (1994). On television, she gained recognition for her role as Phoebe Buffay’s mother in the beloved series “Friends,” along with participating in numerous TV films.
Teri Garr had a romantic relationship with producer Roger Birnbaum, with whom she shared a significant part of her life before marrying entrepreneur John O’Neill in 1993; their marriage lasted until their divorce in 1996. The couple also welcomed an adopted daughter, Molly, expanding their family life. Despite the ups and downs in her personal relationships, Garr remained a beloved figure in Hollywood, cherished not only for her acting talent but for her kindness and warm spirit.
In 1999, Garr faced the daunting diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, which she approached with courage and determination. Throughout the years, she became a prominent advocate for those living with the same affliction, devoting her time to various charities and organizations aimed at supporting MS sufferers. As an ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, she chaired the Woman Against MS programs, tirelessly working to raise awareness about the disease. “My body had a trick or two up its sleeve,” Garr reflected in an interview about her health struggles. “I had trained as a dancer and knew better than to indulge the random aches and pains that arose from time to time… but I didn’t know that the very body that had always been my calling card would betray me.”