Teri Garrthe beloved actress known for her charming roles in classic films like Toetsie And Young Frankenstein, died at the age of 79 on Tuesday and left behind a legacy of laughter and heart. Surrounded by family and friends, Garr headed to Los Angeles, as shared by her publicist Heidi Schaeffer.

Starting her career as a background dancer alongside Elvis in party films from the 1960sGarr quickly turned to acting. Her breakthrough role came in 1974 when she starred as Gene Wilder’s lovable laboratory assistant in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, which became a staple of American comedy.

She later earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in Toetsiewhere she portrayed Dustin Hoffman’s vulnerable actress boyfriend. “I suppressed my inner diva… and took on what turned out to be one of the most rewarding roles of my life‘, she reflected in her memoirs, Speed ​​bumps: through Hollywood.

Garr’s talent for combining comedy with depth made her a standout in several iconic films. She shared the screen with stars like John Denver Oh God! and Richard Dreyfuss in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Mel Brooks famously recalled: “Gene told me about this Teri Garr person, and we both said, ‘Yes!'” when she auditioned for Young Frankenstein. Her quirky charm shone brightly in memorable scenes, especially when she innocently asked about the size of the “schvontztucker of the sample.“

A comedic talent that captivated audiences for decades

Born Terry Ann Garr in Lakewood, Ohioshe grew up in a theatrical family; her father was a vaudeville performer and her mother was a Rockette. Garr’s early years were marked by changes, especially after the death of her father, which led the family to Hollywood. She refined her craft through ballet and landed her first speaking role in The head of the monkeys (1968), paving the way for guest spots on shows like Star Trek And Batman.

In the 1990s, Garr became a household face on sitcoms and late-night TV. Saturday evening live and visit regularly The tonight show. Her playful spirit was evident in her lively banter with hosts, including a memorable moment when she showered in David Letterman’s office.

Despite her remarkable career, Garr faced significant challenges after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosisa struggle she courageously shared with the world. “I was trained as a dancer… I didn’t know that the body that had always been my calling card would betray meshe wrote about her condition. Through it all, Garr remained an advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, inspiring many with her resilience.