Teri Garr, an Oscar-nominated actress renowned for her standout performances in seminal comedies, passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday after a prolonged struggle with multiple sclerosis, according to reports from US media. Her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, revealed that Garr was surrounded by family and friends at the time of her death. The actress first publicly addressed her battle with the chronic autoimmune disease in 2002, aiming to raise awareness for others facing similar challenges. Garr contended with various health issues throughout her life, including a significant surgery in 2007 to repair an aneurysm.
Garr’s journey in entertainment began as a background dancer in Elvis Presley films, influenced by her mother, a former dancer herself, who enrollled her in dance classes at the age of six. Her initial professional engagement came through a role in the touring company of "West Side Story" in Los Angeles. She soon transitioned to dancing in films, securing appearances in popular television series like “Batman” and “Dr. Kildare.”
Garr's career breakthrough came in 1974 with a supporting role in the acclaimed thriller "The Conversation." She captured hearts as Gene Wilder's lab assistant in the classic horror-comedy "Young Frankenstein," portraying a character with a memorable German accent, solidifying her status as a prominent comedic talent. In addition to her comedy accolades, Garr demonstrated her versatility through notable performances in dramatic films such as "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "The Black Stallion." She also made memorable guest appearances on television shows, including "Star Trek" and "That Girl."
Garr’s journey in entertainment began as a background dancer in Elvis Presley films, influenced by her mother, a former dancer herself, who enrollled her in dance classes at the age of six. Her initial professional engagement came through a role in the touring company of "West Side Story" in Los Angeles. She soon transitioned to dancing in films, securing appearances in popular television series like “Batman” and “Dr. Kildare.”
Garr's career breakthrough came in 1974 with a supporting role in the acclaimed thriller "The Conversation." She captured hearts as Gene Wilder's lab assistant in the classic horror-comedy "Young Frankenstein," portraying a character with a memorable German accent, solidifying her status as a prominent comedic talent. In addition to her comedy accolades, Garr demonstrated her versatility through notable performances in dramatic films such as "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "The Black Stallion." She also made memorable guest appearances on television shows, including "Star Trek" and "That Girl."
