Oscar-nominated actress Teri Garr, celebrated for her roles in iconic films like Young Frankenstein, Mr. Mom, and Tootsie, has passed away at the age of 79.
According to reports, Garr died in Los Angeles on Tuesday, surrounded by family and friends, following a two-decade battle with multiple sclerosis.
Her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, shared the news in a heartfelt statement.
In 2002, Garr publicly revealed her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, aiming to raise awareness for others with the chronic autoimmune disease.
She faced additional health challenges over the years, including surgery for an aneurysm in 2007, as noted by CBS.
Garr’s career began as a background dancer in Elvis Presley films, inspired by her mother, a former dancer who enrolled her in dance classes at age six.
She landed her first role with a road production of West Side Story in Los Angeles before transitioning to Hollywood, where she appeared on television shows like Batman and Dr. Kildare.
Her breakout moment came in 1974 with a supporting role in The Conversation.
Later that year, she played Gene Wilder’s German-accented lab assistant in Young Frankenstein, a role that helped define her career.
Known for her comedic talents, Garr became a frequent guest on Late Night with David Letterman, establishing herself as a beloved figure in comedy.
Garr’s versatility extended beyond comedy.
She played dramatic roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and The Black Stallion, and also appeared in popular TV shows, including Star Trek and That Girl.
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