Teri Garr, known for her iconic roles in films like Young Frankenstein and Tootsie, has died at the age of 79 in Los Angeles following a two-decade battle with multiple sclerosis.
Teri Garr, Iconic Actress from Young Frankenstein and Tootsie, Passes Away at 79
Teri Garr, Iconic Actress from Young Frankenstein and Tootsie, Passes Away at 79
Teri Garr, acclaimed for her roles in beloved films, dies after a long illness.
Garr, as reported by US media, passed away on Tuesday surrounded by her family and friends, confirmed by her publicist Heidi Schaeffer. The talented actress publicly revealed her struggle with multiple sclerosis in 2002, aiming to shed light on the condition for others facing similar challenges. She endured various health issues throughout her life, including a significant surgery for an aneurysm in 2007.
Initially starting her career as a background dancer in Elvis Presley films, Garr was encouraged by her dancer mother to pursue dance at a young age. Her professional journey began with the road company for West Side Story in Los Angeles, leading to a successful transition into film and television. Early in her career, Garr appeared in iconic television series such as Batman and Dr. Kildare before achieving her major breakthrough in 1974 with a supporting role in the suspense thriller, The Conversation.
Her role as Gene Wilder's lab assistant in the comedic classic Young Frankenstein significantly boosted her career, showcasing her comedic talents and resulting in her becoming a familiar face on shows like Late Night with David Letterman. In addition to her comedic legacy, Garr also demonstrated her versatility with impactful performances in films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind and The Black Stallion. Her contributions to television further solidified her status as a beloved figure, including her appearances on series like Star Trek and That Girl.
Initially starting her career as a background dancer in Elvis Presley films, Garr was encouraged by her dancer mother to pursue dance at a young age. Her professional journey began with the road company for West Side Story in Los Angeles, leading to a successful transition into film and television. Early in her career, Garr appeared in iconic television series such as Batman and Dr. Kildare before achieving her major breakthrough in 1974 with a supporting role in the suspense thriller, The Conversation.
Her role as Gene Wilder's lab assistant in the comedic classic Young Frankenstein significantly boosted her career, showcasing her comedic talents and resulting in her becoming a familiar face on shows like Late Night with David Letterman. In addition to her comedic legacy, Garr also demonstrated her versatility with impactful performances in films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind and The Black Stallion. Her contributions to television further solidified her status as a beloved figure, including her appearances on series like Star Trek and That Girl.
