Teri Garr, ‘Tootsie’ Actress, Dies — Cause of Death Revealed
Hollywood is mourning the loss of Teri Garr, the beloved actress known for her wit, warmth, and talent.
Garr, 79, passed away on Tuesday after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.
Teri Garr at The Hollywood Show on April 25, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, revealed that Garr was surrounded by family and close friends in her final moments.
Garr went public about her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2002 during an appearance on “Larry King Live.”
Teri Garr during the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 30th Annual “Dinner of Champions” on September 14, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
She revealed that she had quietly endured the condition for nearly 20 years, keeping it to herself and staying in denial before deciding to go public.
When asked why she hadn’t spoken out earlier, Garr explained she wasn’t aware of her diagnosis at the time.
Teri Garr at the Professional Dancers Society’s Gypsy Awards Luncheon on March 24, 2013, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The actress recalled visiting “like 11 doctors” before anyone could identify the condition, describing it as “a very hard diagnosis” to confirm.
Even once she knew, Garr admitted she didn’t feel an immediate need to tell others.
Teri Garr’s potrait taken on October 24, 1984, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Garr’s career was nothing short of legendary as she brought laughs and depth in film and TV, leaving an indelible mark in classics like “Young Frankenstein” and “Mr. Mom.”
Teri Garr, on the set of “Young Frankenstein” in 1974. | Source: Getty Images
Her portrayal of the charming and spirited Sandy Lester in the 1982 romantic comedy “Tootsie” earned her an Academy Award nomination, solidifying her status as a comedic force.
With her trademark humor and undeniable talent, Garr leaves behind a legacy of laughter and light.
Teri Garr posing for a portrait in Los Angeles, California in 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Garr’s death has prompted tributes from friends, fans, and Hollywood collaborators, including Michael Keaton, Mel Brooks, and Lisa Kudrow.
Teri Garr during the 58th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles in 1986 | Source: Getty Images
Keaton, who starred alongside Garr in “Mr. Mom” in 1983, shared his sorrow soon after news of her passing, calling it “a day I feared and knew was coming.”
He remembered Garr as “not just great to work with, but great to be around,” encouraging everyone to revisit her amazing work.
“Friends” star Kudrow worked with Garr when she played Phoebe Abbott, mother to Kudrow’s characters Phoebe and Ursula Buffay.
Kudrow honored Garr, celebrating her as a “comedic acting genius” and acknowledging her as a lasting influence.
Teri Garr as Phoebe Abbott Sr. and Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay on the set of “Friends” | Source: Getty Images
The actress also expressed gratitude for working with Garr, considering herself “lucky and grateful” to have shared the screen with such a talent.
Teri Garr as Phoebe Abbott Sr. and Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay on the set of “Friends” | Source: Getty Images
Director Brooks, who worked with Garr on “Young Frankenstein,” shared his sadness over her passing, referring to the actress as “so talented and so funny.”
He remembered how her humor and lively spirit lit up the set, adding, “Her “German” accent had us all in stitches! She will be greatly missed.”
Screenwriter Cinco Paul also paid tribute on X, listing a few of Garr’s standout films, like “The Conversation,” “Close Encounters,” and “After Hours.”
“Never the star, always shining,” he wrote, followed by “She made everything she was in better.”
Film producer Paul Feig expressed his heartbreak, acknowledging Garr as “a legend” who was “So funny, so beautiful, so kind” and recalling the honor of working with her in 2006.
Part of his tribute also read, “Truly one of my comedy heroes. I couldn’t have loved her more. This is such a loss.”
Teri Garr at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences celebration of the 40th anniversary of “Young Frankenstein” on September 9, 2014, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Garr was born in Ohio in 1944 to parents who both worked in entertainment.
Her father performed in vaudeville, and her mother was a Rockette who later transitioned to costume production.
Teri Garr during the screening of “Streetwise” in March 13, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
The family, which includes Garr’s two older brothers, first moved to New Jersey and eventually settled in Los Angeles.
Tragically, her father passed away when she was just 11. Reflecting on her mother’s resilience, Garr once told The Los Angeles Times in 2008, “She put two kids through school.”
Teri Garr during the 10th Annual U.S. Comedy Arts Festival on March 4, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Her mother worked tirelessly in the costume department at a studio, helping raise a family that included a brother who became a surgeon and another who built boats.
Garr, whose own journey began with ballet training, dropped out of college and moved to New York to pursue acting.
Teri Garr during Dallas Apparel Mart’s 1991 Femme Awards in New York on September 30, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
She studied at the Actors Studio and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute before embarking on a remarkable acting career spanning over 150 film and television roles, leaving a lasting impact and countless smiles.
Garr will be greatly missed for her laughter, warmth, and unforgettable characters. Rest in peace.
