Teri Garr, the acclaimed American actress known for her Oscar-nominated role in *Tootsie*, passed away on October 29 at 79 after battling multiple sclerosis. Lisa Kudrow honored Garr, lauding her comedic genius and influence. Garr’s career spanned from her debut in 1963, featuring in films like *Frankenstein Junior*, *Close Encounters of the Third Kind*, and her memorable role in *Friends* as Phoebe Buffay’s mother. She last appeared in *Kabluey* (2007) and retired in 2011.
American actress Teri Garr, known for her Oscar-nominated role in Tootsie, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, at the age of 79 after a prolonged struggle with multiple sclerosis, as reported by Variety. Lisa Kudrow, who worked alongside her on Friends and in her final movie in 2007, paid heartfelt tribute to Garr in People:
‘Teri Garr is a genius comedienne who had and still has a great influence on me, and I know I’m not the only one who thinks so. I feel so lucky and grateful to have been able to work with Teri Garr.’
Teri Garr made her film debut in the 1963 drama A Swingin’ Affair. After years of minor roles and bit parts, she gained recognition with a small role in Francis Ford Coppola’s Conversation Piece in 1974. However, it was Mel Brooks who catapulted her career when she starred as the lab assistant in the comedy classic Young Frankenstein.
Collaborations with Hollywood Icons
Garr continued to shine, appearing in Carl Reiner’s Oh, God! and Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind as the skeptical spouse of Richard Dreyfuss’s character. She also portrayed the mother of the young protagonist in The Black Stallion and reunited with Coppola for his experimental film Coup de cœur, where she took the lead female role.
In 1982, Garr portrayed the jilted best friend in Tootsie, earning her an Academy Award nomination for the role.
Post-Tootsie Career
Despite receiving acclaim, notable projects became scarce after Tootsie. She starred in the sequel The Sting II and the underperforming The Return of the Black Stallion. However, she made a memorable mark in the comedy Mr. Mom (1983), featuring alongside Michael Keaton as a hardworking single mother.
Teri Garr also collaborated with Martin Scorsese in After Hours, starred in Michael Apted’s Firstborn, appeared with Gene Hackman in Full Moon on Blue Water, and reunited with Dreyfuss for Two Dollars on a Bum (1989). Additionally, she worked with Michael J. Fox on a Tales from the Crypt episode, and contributed to films like The Player and Dumb & Dumber, as well as the comedy series Women of the House alongside Delta Burke.
Role in Friends and Final Years
In 1997, Garr appeared in three episodes of Friends as the biological mother of Phoebe Buffay, played by Lisa Kudrow. Her character, who abandoned her twin daughters at birth, brought a significant emotional revelation to the storyline at the end of season 3 and the beginning of season 4.
Following her guest roles in shows like ER, Felicity, and New York Special Unit, along with a recurring voice role in the animated Batman: Succession, Teri Garr concluded her acting career in 2011 with a guest appearance in How to Marry a Billionaire. Her final film, released in 2007, was Kabluey, a dark comedy featuring… Lisa Kudrow.