Teri Garr, Iconic Actress from Young Frankenstein and Tootsie, Passes Away at 79

The star of films like Young Frankenstein and Tootsie leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and advocacy for chronic illness awareness.

Teri Garr, renowned for her performances in iconic films such as Young Frankenstein, Mr. Mom, and Tootsie, has passed away at the age of 79, according to reports from U.S. media. Her death occurred on Tuesday in Los Angeles, where she was surrounded by family and friends, as stated by her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer. Garr's passing follows a brave 20-year fight against multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune disease she publicly disclosed in 2002 to help raise awareness for others affected by it.

In addition to her struggle with MS, Garr faced several health challenges, including a surgery to address an aneurysm in 2007, as reported by CBS, a U.S. news partner of the BBC. Her journey in the entertainment industry began as a background dancer in classic Elvis Presley films, supported by her mother, a former dancer herself, who enrolled her in dance lessons at just six years old.

Garr's early career included performances in the touring company of West Side Story and dance roles in various films, leading to television appearances in shows like Batman and Dr. Kildare. A pivotal moment in her career arose in 1974 when she earned a supporting role in Francis Ford Coppola's thriller, The Conversation. This was quickly followed by her memorable portrayal of Gene Wilder's lab assistant in the horror-comedy classic Young Frankenstein, where she famously used a German accent, marking a major breakthrough in her acting career.

Recognized for her versatile acting, Garr not only excelled in comedy but also took on dramatic roles in memorable films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind and The Black Stallion. Furthermore, she delighted audiences with her appearances on television shows, including Star Trek and That Girl, cementing her status as an influential figure in the industry.