CNN
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Teri Garr, “Young Frankenstein,” “Tootsie,” and “According to Mr. Manager,” has passed away.
She was 79 years old.
Garr died Tuesday in Los Angeles, more than 20 years after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Mark Gervitz of the manger told CNN.
She first publicly shared her diagnosis in a 2002 interview with CNN to raise awareness for others living with MS.
“I think everyone gets scared and scared when they hear something like that,” said Ga, who visited 11 doctors and experienced years of unexplained symptoms before seeing her doctor for the first time. I remembered when I found out about the diagnosis. “It’s because there’s so much going on and there’s not a lot of information about it. And a lot of people don’t know that it’s not that bad. I mean, I just want to move on with my life. I’m going.”
The daughter of a Broadway performer and the Lockett family, Garr studied dance from an early age and began auditioning as soon as she graduated from high school in Los Angeles. Her early credits include dancing and appearing as an extra in films such as Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas.”
“I finally asked myself, ‘Why am I not in the lead?'” Garr later recalled. “I didn’t spend years studying to stay in the back and not get paid.”
The 1970s were a prolific time for Garr, appearing in several episodes of the sketch comedy series “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour,” “The New Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Odd Couple,” and “The Bob Newhart Show.” I did. ” and many more.
Her big break came in 1974, when she starred as Inga in Mel Brooks’ comedy hit Young Frankenstein, co-starring Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, and Marty Feldman.
Two years later, Garr played Lonnie Neary, a wife trying to understand her husband’s (Richard Dreyfuss) mysterious obsession in the wake of an encounter with an alien, in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 science fiction blockbuster Crows. , appeared in one of the most notable roles. An unknown encounter. ”
In Tootsie, Garr plays a struggling actress who finds fame by pretending to be a woman on a soap opera and dating the main character, played by Dustin Hoffman. For this role, Garr was nominated for the 1983 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
In her 2005 memoir, “Speed Bumps: Running Through Hollywood,” Garr wrote that she was “proud” of the nomination. “The Academy not only knew about me, they thought I was good!”
Also in 1983, she co-starred with Michael Keaton in the touching family comedy Mr. Mama.
In a 2012 interview, Garr said she wasn’t surprised that two of her most memorable roles broke stereotypes about gender norms.
“I resent the fact that they write sexy femme fatale roles who propagate the myths of what women should be and seduce people into their ways, instead of using their brains and wits,” Garr recalled. .
Her career continued with further film and television work. Throughout the 1990s, Garr appeared in 1991’s Good & Evil, 1994’s Good Advice, and 1995’s Woman of the House.
Garr is known for her slightly timid comic timing, which naturally made her the perfect candidate to play Lisa Kudrow’s Phoebe Buffay’s mother on Friends. Gar appeared in a total of three episodes in seasons three and four.
Throughout the 2000s, Garr guest-starred on “Felicity,” “ER,” and “Live with Bonnie.” She also dabbled in voice acting in the early ’80s, providing the voice of Mary McGinniss in the animated “Batman Beyond” TV series and Sandy Gordon in 2003’s “What’s New, Scooby Doo?” I was in charge. Anime series.
Ms. Garr’s last credit was in 2011 when she appeared on the television series “How to Marry a Millionaire.”
Through it all, Garr was a vocal advocate for people living with MS.
“I’m sure some people want you to be upset. Not only am I not upset, I’m fine. There’s no benefit to being depressed, and I don’t think being depressed will get you anywhere.” “Hmm,” Ga said in an interview, reflecting on the optimism he maintained. “Maybe it has something to do with my show business background. You’re always told you’re not good enough for something, you’re not tall enough, you’re not pretty enough, etc.” , I’m smart, I’m talented, I’m this, I’m that!!” I’ve always been able to do that and still do it with MS. ”
“I’ve always had an upbeat personality,” she added.
This story has been updated with additional information.
