Let me tell you about Teri Garr, a true Hollywood gem who danced with Elvis Presley in not one, not two, but five movies, including the iconic Viva Las Vegas. She partied with the Beatles in London, made a movie with the Monkees, and even appeared in comedy sketches on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. All of this happened before she became a household name in 1974 thanks to her starring role in Young Frankenstein. Teri was more than just a talented actress; she was a force of nature with a unique blend of wit, charm, and depth.

Teri Garr, who passed away on October 29 at the age of 79, had a remarkable ability to bring depth to even her most ditzy and neurotic roles. In Tootsie, a film that earned her an Academy Award nomination in 1983, her character Sandy delivered some of the most memorable lines. Picture this: Sandy, feeling betrayed and frustrated, lets out a roar of exasperation to Dustin Hoffman’s character. “I never said, ‘I love you.’ I don’t care about ‘I love you,’” she exclaimed passionately. “What I can’t stand is being lied to!” It was moments like these that showcased Teri’s incredible talent for expressing relatable human emotions.

Even as her career soared, Teri began noticing strange physical symptoms during the filming of Tootsie. Tingling sensations, tripping, muscle weakness, and fatigue became part of her daily reality. “Every movie I worked on, I’d visit a different doctor in the location where we were shooting,” she recalled. “Each one had a different opinion about what it might be. Occasionally, someone would mention MS, but then another doctor would suggest something entirely different.” It wasn’t until 1999 that Teri received the correct diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, and she went public with her condition two years later.

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Despite the challenges, Teri approached her diagnosis with remarkable grace. “Some people expect you to be upset,” she said. “But I’m not upset. I’m okay. I don’t see any benefit in being negative; it doesn’t get you anywhere.” Her positive outlook became a beacon of hope for many facing similar struggles.

Teri Garr: A Legacy of Strength and Resilience

Growing up in a showbiz family, Teri learned the value of resilience from a young age. Her father, a former vaudeville performer, passed away when she was just 11 years old. Her mother, a former Rockette, stepped up to support their family by working as a studio costumer. “I watched my mom become this incredibly strong, creative woman who managed to put three kids through college,” Teri shared. “One of my brothers is even a surgeon. We always knew we had to work harder and never give up.”

Teri’s determination shone brightly early in her career when she refused to be cut from auditions for a touring company of West Side Story. “I thought maybe they didn’t choose me because I smiled too much,” she recounted with a laugh. “So, I boldly showed up for a second audition I wasn’t invited to. Guess what? I got the callback and was cast as a Jet girl. Persistence pays off!”

Her fearless spirit also came through during her appearance in the 1964 film Pajama Party, starring Annette Funicello. When the assistant director asked for a volunteer to perform a stunt dive for extra money, Teri eagerly raised her hand. “I’d never done a dive in my life, much less a stunt,” she admitted. “But I went for it, even though it ended in the most painful belly flop I’ve ever experienced. When I collected that $250, it felt like winning a prize. Every little victory counts!”

Inside Teri Garr's Battle With MS: How Actress Kept Her Positivity — Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Teri Garr: Spreading Joy and Hope

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, Teri’s career was thriving. Her performance in Tootsie cemented her status as a leading lady in Hollywood. She hosted Saturday Night Live three times and became a beloved guest on both Johnny Carson’s and David Letterman’s shows. “I loved being in front of a live studio audience,” she confessed. “There’s nothing quite like the energy of a live crowd.”

In the 1990s, Teri shifted her focus to her personal life. She married building contractor John O’Neil and adopted her daughter, Molly. Although the marriage ended after three years, motherhood brought immense joy and purpose to her life. “I save my best energy for Molly,” she said. “She’s my priority.”

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After her MS diagnosis, Teri became even more intentional about spending quality time with Molly. Having grown up with a chronically ill father, she wanted to shield her daughter from the helplessness and uncertainty that often accompany such situations. In the end, Teri believed Molly gained something invaluable from her mother’s illness. “Molly truly appreciates life and is incredibly kind and compassionate toward others,” Teri said proudly. “That’s one silver lining of my journey.”

Unfortunately, Hollywood wasn’t always kind to Teri after her diagnosis. “Some questions about my health were caring, while others were downright catty,” she admitted. “The gossip hurt my career deeply. My work opportunities plummeted almost overnight.”

But Ter