Teri Garr

Born:December 11, 1944

Place of Birth:Lakewood, Ohio, USA

Died:October 29, 2024

Known For:Acting

Biography

Teri Garr, a versatile American actress, dancer, and singer, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with a career that spanned over four decades. With a knack for comedic roles, Garr graced the screens with her talent in over 140 film and television credits. Her exceptional performances earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination, a BAFTA Award nomination, and a National Board of Review Award.

Hailing from Lakewood, Ohio, Garr's passion for the arts was ignited at a young age. Raised in North Hollywood, she was the daughter of a comedic actor father and a studio costumer mother. Garr's early training in ballet and various dance forms laid the foundation for her future success in the entertainment world. Embarking on her career as a teenager, she made her mark with appearances in television and film, catching the attention of audiences with her grace and charm.

Garr's breakthrough moment came with her role in the iconic Star Trek episode "Assignment: Earth," propelling her into the realm of significant acting opportunities. She shone brightly in Francis Ford Coppola's thriller "The Conversation" and solidified her place in Hollywood with her memorable portrayal of Inga in "Young Frankenstein." Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" further showcased Garr's versatility and talent, establishing her as a sought-after actress in the industry.

Known for her quick wit and magnetic presence, Garr became a familiar face on popular talk shows like "The Tonight Show" and "Late Night with David Letterman." Throughout the 1980s, she continued to captivate audiences with her performances in notable films such as "Tootsie," "Mr. Mom," and "After Hours," working alongside esteemed directors and actors.

In the 1990s, Garr's talent shone brightly in films by acclaimed director Robert Altman, including "The Player" and "Prêt-à-Porter." Her versatility was further showcased in television appearances, including a memorable stint on the sitcom "Friends." Despite facing health challenges due to multiple sclerosis, Garr's passion for her craft never wavered, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of watching her on screen.

Teri Garr's legacy as a talented and beloved actress endures, with her contributions to the entertainment industry immortalized in the hearts of fans worldwide. Her remarkable career serves as a testament to her dedication, versatility, and enduring spirit, solidifying her status as a true icon of the silver screen.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Dumb and Dumber

Helen Swanson

1994

Lloyd and Harry are two men whose stupidity is really indescribable. When Mary, a beautiful woman, loses an important suitcase with money before she leaves for Aspen, the two friends (who have found the suitcase) decide to return it to her. After some "adventures" they finally get to Aspen where, using the lost money they live it up and fight for Mary's heart.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Ronnie Neary

1977

After an encounter with UFOs, an electricity linesman feels undeniably drawn to an isolated area in the wilderness where something spectacular is about to happen.

The Conversation

Amy Fredericks

1974

A paranoid, secretive surveillance expert has a crisis of conscience when he suspects that the couple he is spying on will be murdered.

After Hours

Julie

1985

Desperate to escape his mind-numbing routine, uptown Manhattan office worker Paul Hackett ventures downtown for a hookup with a mystery woman.

Young Frankenstein

Inga

1974

A young neurosurgeon inherits the castle of his grandfather, the famous Dr. Victor von Frankenstein. In the castle he finds a funny hunchback, a pretty lab assistant and the elderly housekeeper. Young Frankenstein believes that the work of his grandfather was delusional, but when he discovers the book where the mad doctor described his reanimation experiment, he suddenly changes his mind.

Tootsie

Sandy Lester

1982

When struggling, out of work actor Michael Dorsey secretly adopts a female alter ego – Dorothy Michaels – in order to land a part in a daytime drama, he unwittingly becomes a feminist icon and ends up in a romantic pickle.

The Player

Teri Garr

1992

A Hollywood studio executive is being sent death threats by a writer whose script he rejected - but which one?

Ghost World

Maxine (uncredited)

2001

Two quirky, cynical teenaged girls try to figure out what to do with their lives after high school graduation. After they play a prank on an eccentric, middle aged record collector, one of them befriends him, which causes a rift in the girls’ friendship.

Michael

Judge Esther Newberg

1996

Tabloid reporters are sent by their editor to investigate after the paper recieves a letter from a woman claiming an angel is living with her.

Aloha Scooby-Doo!

Mayor Molly Quinn (voice)

2005

The Mystery Gang goes to Hawaii for the Big Kahuna of Hanahuna Surfing Contest. However, the gang and the locals find the island invaded by the vengeful Wiki Tiki spirit and his demons.

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker

Mary McGinnis (voice)

2000

The Joker is back with a vengeance, and Neo-Gotham's Dark Knight, Terry McGinnis, needs answers as he stands alone to face the old Gotham's most infamous Clown Prince of Crime.

The Black Stallion

Alec's Mother

1979

While traveling with his father, young Alec becomes fascinated by a mysterious Arabian stallion that is brought on board and stabled in the ship he is sailing on. When it tragically sinks both he and the horse survive only to be stranded on a deserted island. He befriends it, so when finally rescued both return to his home where they soon meet Henry Dailey, a once successful trainer. Together they begin training the horse to race against the fastest ones in the world.

Mr. Mom

Caroline

1983

Jack and Caroline are a couple making a decent living when Jack suddenly loses his job. They agree that he should stay at home and look after the house while Caroline works. It's just that he's never done it before, and really doesn't have a clue...

Viva Las Vegas

Dancer (uncredited)

1964

Lucky Jackson arrives in town with his car literally in tow ready for the first Las Vegas Grand Prix - once he has the money to buy an engine. He gets the cash easily enough but mislays it when the pretty swimming pool manageress takes his mind off things. It seems he will lose both race and girl, problems made more difficult by rivalry from Elmo Mancini, fellow racer and womaniser.

Unaccompanied Minors

Aunt Judy / Valerie’s Sister

2006

Five disparate kids snowed in at the airport on Christmas Eve learn some lessons about friendship when they launch a bid to get back to their families and outsmart a disgruntled airport official who wants to keep them grounded.

Prêt-à-Porter

Louise Hamilton

1994

During Paris Fashion Week, models, designers and industry hot shots gather to work, mingle, argue and try to seduce one another.

The Sting II

Veronica

1983

Hooker and Gondorf pull a con on Macalinski, an especially nasty mob boss with the help of Veronica, a new grifter. They convince this new victim that Hooker is a somewhat dull boxer who is tired of taking dives for Gondorf. There is a ringer. Lonigan, their victim from the first movie, is setting them up to take the fall.

Head

Testy True

1968

In this surrealistic and free-form follow-up to the Monkees' television show, the band frolic their way through a series of musical set pieces and vignettes containing humor and anti-establishment social commentary.

One from the Heart

Frannie

1981

The five-year romance of a window dresser and her boyfriend breaks up, as each of them finds a more interesting partner.