Teri Garr will be fondly remembered for her impeccable comedic timing, sharp wit, and her heartfelt advocacy for those living with Multiple Sclerosis. The beloved actress passed away at the age of 79 in Los Angeles on October 29, 2024, more than two decades after publicly disclosing her battle with this chronic health condition. As fans mourn the loss of the 'Young Frankenstein' star, details regarding her cause of death have emerged.
What Led to Teri Garr's Passing?
Her friend and publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, confirmed that Teri's death was due to complications related to Multiple Sclerosis (MS), as reported by NBC News.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
During a CNN interview in 2002, Teri candidly discussed the series of misdiagnoses she faced before finally being diagnosed with MS.
“Starting many years ago, I would run, jog in the park, and I just started tripping,” Teri recalled. “It was just, like, my toe. I would start to trip, and then that would go away. Then I would get some tingling in my arm. And I went to one doctor who said, ‘Oh, this is an orthopedic problem.’ … I called my brother in L.A., who is a doctor and he said, ‘You know, get another opinion.’ So I went to a neurologist. And he said, ‘Yes, it’s a pinched nerve.'”
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the brain's myelin—the protective covering of nerve fibers—leading to deterioration over time. Currently, there is no cure for MS; however, various treatments are available to manage the condition.
Teri Garr’s Film and Television Career
Teri began her career in entertainment as a dancer after training in ballet during her childhood before transitioning into acting. Early on, she appeared under various names such as Terri Garr and Teri Hope while landing uncredited roles as a backup dancer in several Elvis Presley films.
By the 1970s, Teri had gained significant recognition with notable performances including her role in Mel Brooks' iconic film Young Frankenstein. She also starred in other major films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the comedy Tootsie.
The 1980s saw Teri taking on numerous television roles—including an appearance on an episode of Star Trek. Additionally, she hosted Saturday Night Live three times throughout that decade.
In the late 1990s, Teri secured a recurring role on the hit show Friends as Phoebe Buffay’s biological mother.