Richard Dreyfuss co-star, Teri Garr, dies on JAWS actor birthday
The Oscar-nominated actress, Teri Garr, a celebrated actress known for her versatility and comedic talent, has died at the age of 79.
Her death on October 29, which is also the birthday of her Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) co-star Richard Dreyfuss, marks a poignant end to a remarkable career.
Garr’s work spanned several decades and genres, from classic comedies to heartwarming dramas, always with a memorable performance.
Born in Lakewood, Ohio, in 1944, Garr's first major role came with her iconic turn as Inga in Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein (1974). With her delightful combination of innocence and humor, Garr created one of cinema's most beloved comedic characters. Her wide-eyed portrayal of Inga, with her signature accent and memorable moments, like “Roll, roll, roll in the hay,” ensured she stood out as a highlight in this comedic classic alongside the likes of Gene Wilder and Marty Feldman.
In 1977, Garr co-starred with Richard Dreyfuss in Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking sci-fi film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Her role as the wife of Roy Neary (Dreyfuss) brought a grounded and relatable depth to the story, balancing out the high-stakes drama of alien encounters.
Her performance perfectly captured the struggles of a family grappling with the unknown and a loved one’s obsession, showcasing Garr's skill, talent and range.
One of her most critically acclaimed performances came in Tootsie (1982), where she starred alongside Dustin Hoffman. Playing Sandy Lester, an insecure actress with a penchant for self-doubt, Garr delivered a performance that was both comedic and deeply human.
Her portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and Tootsie remains a classic, and Garr’s role in it is often cited as one of the highlights of her career.
In addition to her big-screen roles in the likes of Oh, God! and Mr Mom - which featured a homage to JAWS with a vacuum cleaner, Garr was also a familiar face on television.
She appeared on Friends in the 1990s, playing Phoebe Buffay's estranged mother in a role that added another layer of comedic depth to her legacy. Her character, quirky and full of surprises, was a perfect fit for Garr’s talents, endearing her to a new generation of viewers.
In 2002, Garr revealed that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic illness affecting the central nervous system.
Despite this, she continued to work - included voiceover work on two animated Batman films, and advocate for MS awareness.
Teri Garr leaves behind a legacy of laughter and warmth. From her unforgettable characters in Young Frankenstein, Tootsie, and Close Encounters to her courageous battle with MS, she touched our lives, both on and off the screen.
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