Teri Garr, ‘Tootsie’ Actress, Dies — Cause of Death Revealed

Teri Garr | Source: Getty Images

Hollywood is mourning the loss of Teri Garr, the beloved actress known for her wit, warmth, and talent.

Garr, 79, passed away on Tuesday after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, a condition she was diagnosed with, in 2002.

Teri Garr at The Hollywood Show on April 25, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Teri Garr at The Hollywood Show on April 25, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, shared that Garr was surrounded by family and close friends in her final moments.

Garr’s career was nothing short of legendary. She brought laughs and depth in film and TV, leaving an indelible mark in classics like “Young Frankenstein” and “Mr. Mom.”

Teri Garr, on the set of "Young Frankenstein" in 1974. | Source: Getty Images

Teri Garr, on the set of “Young Frankenstein” in 1974. | Source: Getty Images

Her portrayal of the charming and spirited Sandy Lester in the 1982 romantic comedy “Tootsie” earned her an Academy Award nomination.

This performance solidified her status as a comedic force. With her trademark humor and undeniable talent, Garr leaves behind a legacy of laughter and light.

Teri Garr poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, California in 1983 | Source: Getty Images

Teri Garr poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, California in 1983 | Source: Getty Images

Garr’s death has prompted tributes from friends and fans and Hollywood collaborators, including Michael Keaton, Mel Brooks, and Lisa Kudrow.

Teri Garr during 58th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles in 1986 | Source: Getty Images

Teri Garr during 58th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles in 1986 | Source: Getty Images

Keaton, who starred alongside Garr in “Mr. Mom” in 1983, shared his sorrow soon after news of her passing.

Reflecting on the loss, he called it “a day I feared and knew was coming.”

He remembered Garr as “not just great to work with, but great to be around,” encouraging everyone to revisit her amazing “comedic work.”

“Friends” star Kudrow, worked with Garr when she played Phoebe Abbott, mother to Kudrow’s characters Phoebe and Ursula Buffay.

Kudrow honored Garr, calling her a “comedic acting genius” and acknowledged her as a lasting influence.

Teri Garr as Phoebe Abbott Sr., Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay on the set of "Friends" | Source: Getty Images

Teri Garr as Phoebe Abbott Sr., Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay on the set of “Friends” | Source: Getty Images

The actress also expressed gratitude for working with Garr, calling herself “lucky and grateful” to have shared the screen with such a talent.

Teri Garr as Phoebe Abbott Sr., Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay on the set of "Friends" | Source: Getty Images

Teri Garr as Phoebe Abbott Sr., Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay on the set of “Friends” | Source: Getty Images

Director Brooks, who worked with Garr on “Young Frankenstein,” shared his sadness over her passing, calling her “so talented and so funny.”

He remembered how her humor and lively spirit lit up the set, especially with her “German accent” that left everyone “in stitches.” Brooks noted she would be “greatly missed.”

Screenwriter Cinco Paul also paid tribute on X, listing a few of Garr’s standout films, like “The Conversation,” “Close Encounters,” and “After Hours.”

He described Garr as “never the star, but always shining,” crediting her with making “everything she was in better.”

Film producer Paul Feig expressed his heartbreak, describing Garr as “a legend” and recalling the honor of working with her in 2006.

He called her “one of my comedy heroes,” saying she was “everything I dreamed she would be.” Feig concluded, “This is such a loss.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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