Teri Garr, the beloved comedy actor known for her quirky charm and memorable performances in classics like *Young Frankenstein* and *Tootsie*, has passed away at the age of 79. Garr’s publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, confirmed that the actor died peacefully on Tuesday, surrounded by family and friends. Garr had been living with multiple sclerosis for years, a condition that gradually affected her health, and she also underwent surgery in 2007 to repair an aneurysm.
Tributes poured in on social media as fans and colleagues remembered her unique talent and enduring influence. Filmmaker Paul Feig called Garr “truly one of my comedy heroes,” adding that he “couldn’t have loved her more.” Screenwriter Cinco Paul noted her unassuming brilliance, saying: “Never the star, but always shining. She made everything she was in better.”
Garr, who occasionally went by names like Terri, Terry, or Terry Ann, seemed destined for show business from a young age. Her father, Eddie Garr, was a vaudeville comedian, while her mother, Phyllis Lind, was one of the original Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Teri began her own journey into the performing arts at the age of six, taking dance lessons, and by 14, she was already dancing with both the San Francisco and Los Angeles ballet companies.
Her early career saw her joining the Los Angeles road company of *West Side Story* at just 16, later taking on bit parts in films as early as 1963. She recalled in an interview how she managed to secure her role in *West Side Story* by re-auditioning in different attire after initially being rejected, showcasing her determination to succeed.
Garr soon became a familiar face as a background dancer in nine Elvis Presley films, including *Viva Las Vegas* and *Clambake*. Her TV appearances included roles in *Star Trek*, *Dr. Kildare*, *Batman*, and she was also a regular dancer on *Shindig*, *T.A.M.I.* and *The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour*.
Her breakthrough in film came with a small role in *The Conversation* (1974), which led to her iconic performance as Gene Wilder’s lab assistant in *Young Frankenstein*, under Mel Brooks’ direction. Garr took inspiration for the character’s German accent from a wigmaker, Renata, she encountered on set. Her performance established her as a gifted comic actress, earning praise from critics, with Pauline Kael dubbing her “the funniest neurotic dizzy dame on the screen.”
Throughout her career, Garr’s infectious smile and distinctive style endeared her to audiences. She went on to star in *Oh, God!*, *Mr. Mom*, and *Tootsie*, where she portrayed Dustin Hoffman’s girlfriend. Though nominated for an Oscar for her role in *Tootsie*, she ultimately lost to Jessica Lange. Beyond comedy, Garr demonstrated her dramatic versatility in *Close Encounters of the Third Kind*, *The Black Stallion*, and *The Escape Artist*, showcasing the depth of her talent in both genres.
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