Teri Garr was an American actress, dancer, comedian, and advocate known for her talent, comedic roles, and advocacy. Born December 11, 1944, in Lakewood, Ohio, she began her career as a dancer in Elvis Presley films before moving into acting.
Garr became famous for her quirky, energetic comedic performances in hits like Young Frankenstein (1974), where she played the lovable Inga; Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977); Oh, God! (1977); and especially Tootsie (1982), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress as Sandy Lester. She also shone in films such as Mr. Mom (1983) and After Hours (1985), and later in roles including Phoebe’s mother on Friends (1997-1998). Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999 after years of symptoms, Garr became a powerful advocate for the disease, sharing her story openly and serving as a national ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She retired from acting around 2011 as her health challenges grew, but her legacy as a comedic genius endured.
Teri Garr passed away on October 29, 2024, at age 79 in Los Angeles from complications of multiple sclerosis, surrounded by family and friends. In the months since, tributes have poured in from co-stars like Mel Brooks, Michael Keaton, Dustin Hoffman, and Lisa Kudrow, who praised her wit, kindness, and influence. As of early 2026, her work continues to be celebrated through retrospectives, streaming availability of her films, and ongoing MS awareness efforts inspired by her courage.
Here is a quick profile summary of Teri Garr:
| Full Name | Terry Ann Garr (known as Teri Garr) |
| Date of Birth | December 11, 1944 |
| Date of Death | October 29, 2024 |
| Age at Death | 79 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Dancer, Comedian, Advocate |
| Net Worth (at death) | Approximately $6 million |
Updates
Since Teri Garr’s passing on October 29, 2024, from complications related to multiple sclerosis, the entertainment world has continued to honor her extraordinary legacy into 2025 and early 2026. Major tributes came from co-stars and directors, including Mel Brooks calling her hilarious on the set of Young Frankenstein, Dustin Hoffman praising her brilliance in Tootsie, and Lisa Kudrow highlighting her influence. Networks like Turner Classic Movies aired tributes, and streaming platforms prominently featured her films.
Her advocacy for MS awareness has inspired ongoing campaigns by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In late 2024 and 2025, retrospectives and special screenings celebrated her career, with fans and critics revisiting her versatile roles. Garr’s memoir Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood (2005) saw renewed interest, detailing her life and health journey. As of early 2026, her impact remains strong, with younger generations discovering her through her classics, and her story of resilience continues to motivate those facing similar challenges.
Teri Garr Age
Teri Garr was born on December 11, 1944, and died on October 29, 2024, at the age of 79. Her energy and comedic timing delighted audiences from her 1960s dancing to her iconic 1970s and ’80s roles. Even while battling multiple sclerosis, she brought joy throughout her life.
Teri Garr Net Worth
Teri Garr built a solid financial legacy through her long and successful career in acting, dancing, and television appearances, with an estimated net worth of around $6 million at the time of her death in 2024. Her earnings came from standout roles in blockbuster films such as Tootsie, Young Frankenstein, Mr. Mom, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, as well as from television work, guest spots, and her early dance performances. Despite health challenges that slowed her career in later years, smart management of her income from over 140 credits allowed her to maintain comfort and focus on advocacy. Garr’s net worth reflected not just financial success but a life dedicated to her craft.
Teri Garr Biography
Teri Garr, born Terry Ann Garr on December 11, 1944, in Lakewood, Ohio, came from a family immersed in entertainment; her father, Eddie, was a vaudeville performer and actor, and her mother, Phyllis, was a dancer and Rockette. After her father’s early death when she was 11, the family moved to Los Angeles, where Garr trained intensively in ballet and began her career as a teenager dancing in Elvis Presley films like Viva Las Vegas and Clambake. She transitioned to acting, with small roles in TV and movies, and gained notice in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation (1974).
Her breakthrough came as Inga in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein (1974), showcasing her perfect comedic timing. Hits followed with Oh, God! (1977), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), and her Oscar-nominated turn in Tootsie (1982). Garr was a frequent talk show guest, charming hosts like David Letterman and Johnny Carson. Diagnosed with MS in 1999 (symptoms starting in the 1980s), she became an outspoken advocate after going public in 2002, also surviving a brain aneurysm in 2006. She retired around 2011 but left an indelible mark as a versatile, witty performer who influenced comedians like Tina Fey and Jenna Fischer.
Family
Teri Garr came from a close-knit show business family, with her father, Eddie Garr, a comedian and actor, and her mother, Phyllis, a dancer and wardrobe specialist. She had two older brothers and grew up appreciating performance arts from a young age. Garr married building contractor John O’Neil in 1993, and they adopted a daughter, Molly O’Neill, that same year (born November 1993). The marriage ended in divorce in 1996, but they co-parented amicably. Molly, who keeps a private life, was a source of great joy for Garr, especially during health struggles, and has a son, making Garr a grandmother. In her later years, family surrounded her, and at her passing in 2024, she was with loved ones, including Molly.
Career & More
Teri Garr’s career spanned over four decades, starting as a background dancer in nine Elvis Presley films and TV shows like Shindig!. She broke through with dramatic roles in The Conversation (1974) and comedic gold in Young Frankenstein (1974) as the unforgettable Inga. The 1970s and 1980s were her peak, with standout performances in Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Oh, God! (1977), Mr. Mom (1983), After Hours (1985), and her Oscar-nominated role in Tootsie (1982).
She hosted Saturday Night Live three times, recurred on Friends as Phoebe’s mom, and appeared in over 140 projects. Known for her neurotic yet endearing characters, Garr was praised for her expressive eyes, quick wit, and versatility. Health issues from MS led to retirement, but she authored a memoir and advocated tirelessly. Her influence on comedy endures, with tributes calling her a legend.
