Let’s take a moment to honor the life of an incredible woman who left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Teri Garr, best known for her unforgettable performances in Tootsie and Young Frankenstein, passed away at the age of 79. Her manager, Marc Gurvitz, confirmed the heartbreaking news to CNN on October 29. But before we dive into her story, let’s just say this: Teri wasn’t just an actress—she was a force of nature.

Teri wasn’t alone in her final moments. Her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, shared with People that she was surrounded by her loved ones, including family and friends, as she took her last breath. That’s how we want to remember her—as someone cherished and deeply loved.

A Career That Sparkled Like the Stars

Throughout her illustrious career, Teri Garr lit up the screen with her talent, charm, and wit. She wasn’t just a supporting player; she was a star in her own right. Her filmography reads like a who’s who of classic cinema, starring in beloved movies like Oh, God!, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Mr. Mom. In 1982, she earned a well-deserved Academy Award nomination for her unforgettable role in Tootsie. That’s right—she was nominated for an Oscar, and if you’ve seen the movie, you know exactly why.

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Facing Challenges with Courage

But Teri’s journey wasn’t all red carpets and awards shows. In 2002, she revealed a deeply personal struggle that had been quietly shaping her life. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a condition that first showed up in 1983. Can you imagine that? She was jogging in Central Park, minding her own business, when she started tripping. At first, it seemed like a minor issue—something that would come and go—but as time went on, the symptoms became more pronounced. She even joked about it, saying she thought maybe someone was stabbing her while she ran. Classic Teri humor.

Her health challenges led her to consult numerous doctors over the years, each with their own theories about what was wrong. “Every movie I did, I’d visit a different doctor wherever we were shooting,” she once explained. “And every one had a different opinion. Occasionally, someone would mention MS, but then someone else would suggest something else entirely.”

An Unyielding Spirit

It wasn’t until 1999 that Teri received an official diagnosis of MS. Instead of letting it define her, she chose to share her story in her 2006 memoir, Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood. In it, she wrote candidly about the challenges of living with the disease. “MS is a sneaky disease,” she wrote. “It has a way of showing up at the most inconvenient times and then disappearing completely. It took doctors over two decades to figure out what was wrong with me. Sometimes they mentioned MS, but the tests always came back clear. Then the symptoms would fade, and I’d forget about it—until they came back with a vengeance.”

She also talked about the harsh realities of Hollywood. “Whatever this MS was, the industry wanted nothing to do with it,” she admitted. “At first, I was furious. My symptoms had been around for years, and they never interfered with my work. Then I started wondering if maybe the job offers dried up because I wasn’t a good enough actress. It was a tough combination: mysterious symptoms, my insecurities about my acting, and the reality of being an ‘aging’ actress in Hollywood.”

Her Final Performance

Teri’s final acting appearance came in 2011’s How to Marry a Billionaire. While it marked the end of her on-screen career, her legacy continues to inspire countless fans and fellow performers. She leaves behind her daughter, Molly O’Neil, and one grandson. Molly was born during Teri’s marriage to John O’Neil, which lasted from 1993 to 1996.

A Tribute from a Friend

One of Teri’s closest friends and co-stars, Michael Keaton, paid tribute to her after her passing. “This is a day I feared and knew was coming,” he wrote on Instagram. “Forget about how amazing she was as an actress and comedienne. She was a wonderful woman. Not only was she great to work with, but she was also great to be around. And seriously, go back and watch her comedic work. Man, was she incredible! Rest in peace, girl.”