Teri Garr, the Academy Award-nominated actress known for her roles in films including Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Tootsie, Mr. Mom, and Young Frankenstein, has died at the age of 79.
According to Variety, Garr died on Tuesday following a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Garr first revealed her diagnosis with MS in 2002 and later suffered an aneurysm in 2006. She officially retired from acting in 2011, with some of her final films including Paul Feig’s Unaccompanied Minors and the Lisa Kudrow-staring Kabluey.
With over 140 credits across film and television, Garr’s career in Hollywood was both extensive and versatile. After starting her career as a dancer, she earned a breakout role as Inga, the audacious assistant in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. In 1982, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars for her performance as actress Sandy Lester in Tootsie.
Throughout her career, Garr was a mainstay on late-night programs like The Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman, where her notorious wit and penchant for clever repartee were often on full display.
Garr also had an active TV career: Dedicated fans may remember her trio of episodes on Friends, playing the biological mother of Kudrow’s Phoebe Buffay, and in addition, Garr appeared on series including Sesame Street, Felicity, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and Adventures in Wonderland. She hosted an episode of SNL in 1980 in the show’s fifth season, with The B-52’s as musical guest.
During the later part of her life, Garr was a passionate activist for those living with multiple sclerosis, joining the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as a spokesperson to use her platform to spread awareness. Through public service announcements, fundraising events, and interviews, Garr always led with her trademark warmth and humor.