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Teri Garr, a pioneering female comedian and versatile actress known for her roles in classics such as Young Frankenstein and Tootsie, has died at the age of 79. Garr had been publicly fighting multiple sclerosis (MS) for more than 20 years. She earned an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress for her role in Tootsie in 1982.
Garr began her career as an Elvis Presley back-up dancer in the 1960s before transitioning to acting. Her big break came in 1974 with Mel Brooks’ comedy Young Frankenstein, where she famously delivered the line “Would you like to have a roll in the hay?” as Inga. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Garr worked with top directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg, and Sydney Pollack. She played Ronnie Neary in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and received her Oscar nomination for playing Sandy Lester opposite Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie.
In addition to films, Garr was known to television audiences for appearances on shows like Batman, Star Trek, and The Andy Griffith Show. She hosted Saturday Night Live three times and had a memorable guest role on Friends in the 1990s. Garr voiced the character of Mary McGinnis in several Batman Beyond cartoon productions in the late 1990s as well.
In 2002, Garr publically disclosed her MS diagnosis, which she had battled privately for decades. She survived an aneurysm in 2006. That same year, she wrote an autobiography titled Speedbumps chronicling her life and career ups and downs. Throughout her challenges with illness, Garr continued acting and advocating for MS research.
With her charm, comedic talent, and ability to take on diverse roles, Garr helped pave the way for future generations of women in Hollywood. She portrayed nuanced characters across many eras and genres, from Elvis films to animation. Garr left an indelible mark through her iconic performances and decades-long career.
