Teri Garr, Beloved Comedy Actress of Tootsie Fame, Passes Away at 79

Teri Garr, a beloved figure in Hollywood known for her comic brilliance and roles in classics like Young Frankenstein and Tootsie, has passed away at the age of 79. The Academy Award-nominated actress, whose vibrant spirit left an indelible mark on film, died in Los Angeles, according to her publicist Heidi Schaeffer. Her death was attributed to complications related to multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition she had publicly battled for decades.

Garr’s breakout in the 1982 hit Tootsie—where she starred opposite Dustin Hoffman in a gender-swap comedy—earned her an Oscar nomination, and her sharp comedic timing and engaging on-screen presence resonated with audiences around the world. While she frequently played lighthearted and comedic roles, Garr was also lauded for her versatility, including her role in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind as a wife caught in the turmoil of her husband's extraterrestrial obsession.

Diagnosed with MS in 2002, Garr became an advocate for those living with the condition, speaking openly about her journey and encouraging research and treatment advancements. Despite her struggles, she maintained a warm humor that she credited with helping her cope with health challenges. "A sense of humor and attitude is the most important thing in everything," she once remarked, a sentiment that inspired fans and fellow actors alike.

In addition to her MS, Garr suffered a brain aneurysm in 2006, a severe health event that left her in a coma for a week and required her to relearn basic skills like walking and speaking. Her resilience and wit were apparent even through these trials; she once quipped in a 2008 interview, “I had to learn to walk again, to talk again, and to think again—though I’m not even sure that’s necessary in Hollywood.”

Teri Garr’s legacy will endure through her unforgettable performances, her advocacy for MS, and her unbreakable spirit that touched the lives of many.