Michael Keaton, Paul Feig and David Letterman are among the Hollywood figures paying tribute to Teri Garr after she died on Tuesday at 79.
The Oscar-nominated actress was known for films like Tootsie and Young Frankenstein, among many others, before her career was derailed by multiple sclerosis, which she revealed she was diagnosed during an appearance on Larry King’s CNN show in October 2002. She appeared onscreen for the last time in 2011.
Garr died at home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends,” her publicist, Heidi Schaffer, told The Hollywood Reporter.
“This is a day i feared and knew was coming,” her Mr. Mom co-star, Michael Keaton, wrote on Instagram. “Forget about how great she was as an actress and comedienne. she was a wonderful woman. not just great to work with but great to be around. AND go back and watch her comedic work-Man, was she great!! RIP girl.”
Paul Feig, who directed Garr in Unaccompanied Minors, took to X to share his own statement, writing, “Oh man, this is devastating. Teri was a legend. So funny, so beautiful, so kind. I had the honor of working with her in 2006 and she was everything I dreamed she would be. Truly one of my comedy heroes. I couldn’t have loved her more. This is such a loss.”
The Close Encounters of the Third Kind actress appeared on David Letterman’s shows often. The talk show host posted a video of the two of them on one of his shows on Instagram. “Remembering one of our all-time favorite guests Teri Garr #RIP,” he wrote in the caption.
See the tributes below.
Oh man, this is devastating. Teri was a legend. So funny, so beautiful, so kind. I had the honor of working with her in 2006 and she was everything I dreamed she would be. Truly one of my comedy heroes. I couldn’t have loved her more. This is such a loss. https://t.co/Uf7q4M59XI
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) October 29, 2024A truly fantastic actor and person…we worked together briefly on DICK and I’ll never forget her. Valiant as she dealt with the ravages of MS, never complaining, terrified she’d lose her SAG health insurance. We live in a country where #TerriGarr had to worry about that. 😢 https://t.co/YLOXH7g55l
— Gale Anne Hurd (@GunnerGale) October 29, 2024My top three Teri Garr movies:
Oh God!
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Tootsie
Treat yourself #RIPTeriGarr
We say goodbye to the one-of-a-kind Teri Garr.
A versatile actress with a career spanning four decades across film and television, Garr’s infectious charm delighted generations – with compelling performances that will continue touching our hearts and minds. pic.twitter.com/iQLjKA9jJ0
It would have been so easy for Teri Garr to play her Close Encounters character as the buzzkill wife, but she so inhabits the confusion & terror of watching her husband lose it that it makes you realize that from her character's perspective, she's practically in The Shining… pic.twitter.com/poiDyPJXY3
— Zack Stentz (@MuseZack) October 29, 2024We are saddened to learn of Teri Garr's passing. The Oscar-nominated performer won our hearts in iconic films like 'Tootsie,' 'Young Frankenstein' and so many others. Our condolences to her family and friends. #SagAftraMember since 1962 https://t.co/jBMqenT1SK
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 29, 2024The Conversation, Young Frankenstein, Oh God!, Close Encounters, Tootsie, After Hours– so many great performances in so many great movies. Never the star, but always shining. She made everything she was in better. RIP, Teri Garr. pic.twitter.com/7impjAp73D
— Cinco Paul (@cincopedia) October 29, 2024As we say goodbye to the beloved Teri Garr, we honour her unforgettable presence on screen. 🌹
From iconic roles in TOOTSIE and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN to her charming performances on television, Teri graced us with warmth, wit, and a talent that will be dearly missed. pic.twitter.com/37rrSUQtbU
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