Teri Garr's Health Journey: Exploring the 'Tootsie' Star's Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis
Teri Garr, beloved star of "Tootsie," recently passed away at the age of 79, over two decades after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, announced on October 29 that Garr died peacefully in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Garr once referred to multiple sclerosis as “a strange disease,” and she was right. MS is a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system—encompassing both the brain and spinal cord—and is known for its unpredictable nature. Symptoms can vary significantly: while some individuals may experience mild effects, others might face severe challenges such as loss of vision, difficulty speaking or writing, and trouble walking.
The disease occurs when the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) surrounding nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and body. Over time, this can lead to permanent damage or deterioration of these nerve fibers. The term “sclerosis” refers to the scarring that develops in the form of lesions or plaques in the brain and spinal cord.
Is There a Cure for MS?
Currently, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Once diagnosed, it remains a lifelong condition; however, various treatments and specialists are available to help manage symptoms effectively.
The Start of Garr's Journey with MS
Teri Garr was diagnosed with MS in 1999 after experiencing severe symptoms that prompted her to seek medical advice. She did not publicly disclose her diagnosis until 2002 during a press conference at the New York Academy of Sciences.
Navigating Life with MS
After going public with her condition, Garr became an advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She delivered humorous speeches across the U.S. and Canada, stating in 2005: “You have to find your center and roll with the punches because it’s hard to have people pity you. Just trying to explain to people that I’m OK is tiresome.”
That same year saw the release of her autobiography, Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood. However, in 2006 she faced a significant health setback when she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that left her in a coma for a week. With therapy support, she regained her speech and motor skills before making an inspiring return to television on David Letterman‘s talk show to promote her film Expired.
Teri Garr's Iconic Career
Teri Garr starred in several major films throughout her career including The Conversation, Mr. Mom, Oh God!, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Her breakout role came as Inga in Mel Brooks' classic comedy Young Frankenstein.
Garr gained widespread acclaim for her performance as Sandy—Dustin Hoffman’s neurotic girlfriend—in the 1982 film,Tootsie, which earned her an Oscar nomination.
Martie Cook from Emerson College noted how Garr skillfully inverted stereotypes such as "the smart dumb blonde," using her cleverness to add depth to often ditzy roles.
Renowned film critic Pauline Kael described Garr as “the funniest neurotic dizzy dame on the screen,” highlighting her unique talent.