Teri Garr, ‘Tootsie’ Actress, Dies — Cause of Death Revealed

Garr, 79, passed away on Tuesday after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

Her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, shared that Garr was surrounded by family and close friends in her final moments.

Garr publicly shared her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2002 during an appearance on “Larry King Live.”

She revealed that she had quietly endured the condition for nearly 20 years, keeping it to herself and staying in denial before deciding to go public.

When asked why she hadn’t spoken out earlier, Garr explained she wasn’t aware of her diagnosis at the time.

The actress recalled visiting “like 11 doctors” before anyone could identify the condition, describing it as “a very hard diagnosis” to confirm.

Even once she knew, Garr admitted she didn’t feel an immediate need to tell others.

Garr’s career was nothing short of legendary. She brought laughs and depth in film and TV, leaving an indelible mark in classics like “Young Frankenstein” and “Mr. Mom.”

Her portrayal of the charming and spirited Sandy Lester in the 1982 romantic comedy “Tootsie” earned her an Academy Award nomination, solidifying her status as a comedic force.

With her trademark humor and undeniable talent, Garr leaves behind a legacy of laughter and light.

Garr’s death has prompted tributes from friends and fans and Hollywood collaborators, including Michael Keaton, Mel Brooks, and Lisa Kudrow.

Keaton, who starred alongside Garr in “Mr. Mom” in 1983, shared his sorrow soon after news of her passing, calling it “a day I feared and knew was coming.”

He remembered Garr as “not just great to work with, but great to be around,” encouraging everyone to revisit her amazing “comedic work.”

“Friends” star Kudrow worked with Garr when she played Phoebe Abbott, mother to Kudrow’s characters Phoebe and Ursula Buffay.

Kudrow honored Garr, calling her a “comedic acting genius” and acknowledged her as a lasting influence.

The actress also expressed gratitude for working with Garr, calling herself “lucky and grateful” to have shared the screen with such a talent.

Director Brooks, who worked with Garr on “Young Frankenstein,” shared his sadness over her passing, calling her her as “so talented and so funny.”

He remembered how her humor and lively spirit lit up the set, especially with her “German accent” that left everyone “in stitches.” Brooks noted she would be “greatly missed.”

Screenwriter Cinco Paul also paid tribute on X, listing a few of Garr’s standout films, like “The Conversation,” “Close Encounters,” and “After Hours.”

He described Garr as “never the star, but always shining,” crediting her with making “everything she was in better.”

Film producer Paul Feig expressed his heartbreak, describing Garr as “a legend” and recalling the honor of working with her in 2006.

He called her “one of my comedy heroes,” saying she was “everything I dreamed she would be.” Feig concluded, “This is such a loss.”

Garr was born in Ohio in 1944 to parents who both worked in entertainment.

Her father performed in vaudeville, and her mother was a Rockette who later transitioned to costume production.

The family, which includes Garr’s two older brothers, first moved to New Jersey and eventually settled in Los Angeles.

Tragically, her father passed away when she was just 11. Reflecting on her mother’s resilience, Garr once told The Los Angeles Times in 2008, “She put two kids through school.”

Her mother worked tirelessly in the costume department at a studio, helping raise a family that included a brother who became a surgeon and another who built boats.

Garr, whose own journey began with ballet training, dropped out of college and moved to New York to pursue acting.

She studied at the Actors Studio and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute before embarking on a remarkable acting career spanning over 150 film and television roles, leaving a lasting impact and countless smiles.

Garr will be greatly missed for her laughter, warmth, and unforgettable characters. Rest in peace.