Teri Garr has died at the age of 79 after a long battle with Multiple sclerosis (MS).
Garr is known for her roles in Young Frankenstein, Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, and as Phoebe’s mother in the iconic sitcom Friends.
The actress was diagnosed with a chronic disease that damages the central nervous system (CNS) in 2002, and also suffered an aneurysm in 2006.
Garr has nearly 160 credits to her name starring in influential television shows and films from the 1970s to 1990s, and became an influence in the film industry.
Fans of the actress have taken to their X account to pay tribute to her incredible career, as one penned: “RIP Teri Garr you’ve left us great films & memories.”
Another added: “Rest in Peace to the great Teri Garr. Her ‘likability’ factor was off the charts, from the early STAR TREK episode she appeared in right through to YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS, OH GOD, and TOOTSIE. Her very presence made you smile…and that’s a gift.”
The actress has died at the age of 79
GETTY
“Sad to learn about the passing of Teri Garr. Such a wonderful talent. Godspeed, ma’am,” a third expressed before a fourth penned: “Teri Garr was amazing in everything I ever saw her in….
“From Young Frankenstein all the way to her cast as Phoebe’s mom on Friends. An ICON.”
Someone else expressed: “Teri Garr, may she Rest In Peace. Phoebe’s real mom, and so many great roles on TV and in the movies. Tootsie. Frannie in Coppola’s One from the Heart…”
“RIP Teri Garr. That TOOTSIE Oscar belonged to you,” a sixth noted. (sic)
Teri Garr starred in Friends as Pheobe Buffay’s real mother
NBC
Garr peaked in her acting career in 1983 when she was nominated in the Best Actress in a Supporting Role category for her work as Sandy Lester in Tootsie.
Unfortunately, she lost out on the award to castmate Jessica Lange from the same film who happened to the the loan winner out of ten nominations that year.
Her most famous television role came from when she starred as Phoebe Abbott in three episodes of the sitcom Friends from 1997 to 1998.
In the episode – titled The One At The Beach – her character reveals to Lisa Kudrow’s character Phoebe Buffay that she’s her birth mother, something she had been looking for her whole life.
God speed Teri Garr. Her mere presence in any film just made everything better.
An absolute brilliant wit made her one of the greatest comedic actors. pic.twitter.com/MiYIsRw0r0
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) October 29, 2024
She later returned to the role in two other episodes titled The One With Jellyfish and The One With Phoebe’s Uniform.
Another one of her iconic roles that many fans will remember from her acting career was as Ronnie Neary in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters Of The Third Kind in 1977.
Garr starred as the wife of Richard Dreyfuss’ character Roy as the film won the Best Cinematography Oscar in 1978 for Vilmos Zsigmond.
However, her breakout role was as saucy assistant Inga in 1974 Mel Brooks classic Young Frankenstein where she starred opposite Gene Wilder.