Teri Garr, the acclaimed actress known for her standout performances in hit comedies like "Tootsie" and "Young Frankenstein," has passed away at the age of 79. Her publicist confirmed that Garr's death was caused by complications from multiple sclerosis, a condition she had been living with since 1999. Despite the challenges she faced, Garr's remarkable career spanned four decades, showcasing her versatility as an actress who could seamlessly transition between comedy and drama.

A Trailblazing Talent Who Refused to Be Pigeonholed

Breakthrough in "Young Frankenstein"

Teri Garr's breakout role came in 1974 when she starred alongside Gene Wilder in Mel Brooks' iconic comedy "Young Frankenstein." Garr's portrayal of Inga, the assistant to Wilder's Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, was a standout performance that not only showcased her comedic chops but also her ability to embody a character with depth and nuance. "That really put me on the map, being in that movie," Garr later reflected. "I had no idea it was going to be such a big hit, and it's still hot. People still look at it all the time. I had no idea. It really was the first time I ever had my name on the poster, co-starring and all that stuff. So I'm really grateful that I was even in it."

Oscar Nomination for "Tootsie"

Garr's most acclaimed performance came in 1982 when she was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Sandy Lester, the frustrated girlfriend of Dustin Hoffman's Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels, in the hit comedy "Tootsie." While she ultimately lost the Oscar to her co-star Jessica Lange, Garr's performance was widely praised, with the actress revealing that she had initially been hesitant to take on the role. "They put a man in a dress, and he's supposed to know what it feels like to be a woman. But of course, he doesn't," Garr said in a 2008 interview. "I think what Dustin [Hoffman] says is, 'I realize now how important it is for a woman to be pretty. And I wasn't pretty.' God! That's all you realized? Jesus Christ."

Versatility on Display

Throughout her career, Garr demonstrated her versatility as an actress, seamlessly transitioning between comedy and drama. In the same year as "Young Frankenstein," she had a supporting role in Francis Ford Coppola's acclaimed thriller "The Conversation." She also starred in the sci-fi epic "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and the comedy "Oh, God!" alongside George Burns and John Denver. Garr's ability to excel in a wide range of genres was a testament to her talent and her refusal to be pigeonholed as a "ditz" or a "bimbo," as she had sometimes been perceived.

Overcoming Adversity

Garr's career was not without its challenges. In 1999, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a condition she kept private until 2002. In 2006, she suffered a brain aneurysm that left her in a coma for several days, though she eventually regained her ability to speak. Despite these setbacks, Garr remained dedicated to her craft, continuing to take on roles and showcase her talent. In her 2006 memoir, "Speedbumps: Flooring it Through Hollywood," Garr spoke candidly about her struggles, demonstrating her resilience and her unwavering commitment to her passion.

A Comedic Icon and Mentor

Garr's impact on the entertainment industry extended beyond her own performances. She was a frequent guest on late-night television, particularly on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson and "Late Night" with David Letterman, where her fantastic repartee with the hosts often teetered between flirty and contentious. Garr's appearances on these shows cemented her status as a comedic icon, and she also served as a mentor to younger actors, including Lisa Kudrow, who appeared in several episodes of "Friends" as Garr's character's birth mother."Teri Garr was a comedic acting genius who was and is a huge influence on me and I know I'm not alone in that," Kudrow said in a statement. "I feel so lucky and grateful I got to work with Teri Garr."Teri Garr's legacy as a trailblazing, versatile, and resilient actress will continue to inspire generations of performers. Her ability to seamlessly navigate the worlds of comedy and drama, and her refusal to be defined by others' perceptions, make her a true icon of the entertainment industry.