A versatile performer who danced alongside Elvis Presley before becoming a celebrated comedic actress has left an indelible mark on Hollywood's golden era.
According to Fox News, acclaimed actress Teri Garr, known for her memorable roles in "Young Frankenstein" and "Tootsie," passed away Tuesday in Los Angeles at age 79. Her death was attributed to complications from multiple sclerosis, as confirmed by her publicist to The Associated Press.
Garr's remarkable journey in entertainment spanned over five decades, during which she accumulated more than 150 acting credits. Her versatility as a performer allowed her to seamlessly transition between film, television, and dance, establishing herself as a multifaceted talent in the industry.
Born to showbusiness royalty, Garr seemed destined for the spotlight from birth. Her father, Eddie Garr, was a renowned vaudeville comedian, while her mother, Phyllis Lind, performed as one of the original Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Her career began with dance performances in Elvis Presley films, including "Viva Las Vegas," "Roustabout," and "Clambake." She also showcased her talents on television, appearing as a featured dancer on "Shindig" and as a cast member on "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour."
The actress's breakthrough came in 1974 when she portrayed Gene Hackman's girlfriend in Francis Ford Coppola's thriller "The Conversation."
Her iconic role in "Young Frankenstein" came with an interesting backstory. Director Mel Brooks had one specific condition for hiring her as Gene Wilder's lab assistant - she needed to master a German accent. Garr recalled her creative solution to this challenge. As she remembered: "Cher had this German woman, Renata, making wigs, so I got the accent from her."
This role catapulted her into comedy stardom, leading to prominent roles in films like "Mr. Mom" with Michael Keaton, "Out Cold" with John Lithgow, and "Mom and Dad Save the World."
Garr's television career proved equally impressive. She portrayed Roberta Lincoln in "Star Trek," appearing as Sgt. Phyllis Norton in "McCloud" and starred in series like "Good & Evil" and "Women of the House." Her memorable appearances on "Friends" as Lisa Kudrow's mother further cemented her television legacy.
She became a favorite guest on "The David Letterman Show," where her wit and charm regularly entertained audiences. Her final credited role came in 2011 on the television series How to Marry a Billionaire, marking the end of her active performing career.
In 2002, Garr publicly revealed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Four years later, she underwent emergency brain aneurysm surgery, demonstrating remarkable resilience throughout her health challenges.
She detailed her experiences in her 2005 autobiography, "Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood." In it, she wrote:
My body had a trick or two up its sleeve. A stumble here, a tingling finger there. I was trained as a dancer and knew better than to indulge the random aches and pains that visited now and then. Being a successful Hollywood actress may be challenging, but little did I know that the very body that had always been my calling card would betray me
Michael Keaton, her "Mr. Mom" co-star, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, emphasizing both her professional talent and personal warmth. David Letterman also honored her memory by sharing clips from her numerous appearances on his show. Garr's passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood entertainment. Her journey from background dancer to Academy Award nominee for "Tootsie" exemplifies the possibilities that talent, determination, and versatility can achieve in the entertainment industry.
