Celebrated Comedienne Teri Garr Passes Away at 79

Teri Garr, acclaimed for her roles in 'Young Frankenstein' and 'Tootsie,' died at 79 in Los Angeles due to multiple sclerosis complications. Known for her humor and bright screen presence, Garr bravely shared her MS battle and continued to inspire through her advocacy for research and treatment.

Academy Award-nominated actress Teri Garr, celebrated for her roles in 'Young Frankenstein' and 'Tootsie,' passed away at the age of 79 in Los Angeles. Garr, who earned an Oscar nod for her performance in the 1982 film 'Tootsie,' succumbed to complications arising from multiple sclerosis, as reported by her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer.

Diagnosed with MS in 2002, Garr publicly shared her two-decade battle, becoming an ardent supporter of multiple sclerosis research and treatment. Her resilience shone through after a 2007 brain aneurysm surgery, leading to a temporary reliance on a wheelchair. In a 2008 Reuters interview, Garr humorously recounted her recovery journey, stating, 'I had to learn to walk again, to talk again, and to think again.'

Born in Lakewood, Ohio, in 1944 to show-business parents, Garr embarked on a diverse career in acting and dance after attending college in Los Angeles. Her comedic charm captivated audiences and colleagues alike, leaving a lasting impact that Mel Brooks and contemporaries like Michael Keaton and Steve Martin fondly remembered after her passing.

(With inputs from agencies.)