Dustin Hoffman pays tribute to Tootsie co-star Teri Garr after her death aged 79

Dustin Hoffman pays tribute to Tootsie co-star Teri Garr after her death aged 79

Reflecting upon the life of Teri Garr, a woman whose journey through Hollywood was nothing short of extraordinary, I find myself deeply moved by her resilience and unwavering spirit. From her humble beginnings as a go-go dancer to her breakout role in Mel Brooks’ iconic “Young Frankenstein,” Teri’s story is a testament to the power of determination and adaptability.


On the day of Teri Garr’s passing at age 79, Dustin Hoffman delivered a heartfelt remembrance of his Tootsie co-star.

87-year-old Oscar laureate notably played the dual role of Michael Dorsey and Dorothy Michaels in the critically praised 1982 comedy, sharing screen time with Garr as their unaware best friend Sandy Lester.

In a statement to the New York Post, Hoffman shared, “Teri was exceptionally talented and unique in every endeavor she undertook, and her heart was pure gold. Collaborating with her was an incredible joy.

‘There was no one like her.’

Hoffman and Garr were praised for their convincing performances in the movie “Tootsie,” where Hoffman played an actor with a questionable past who disguised himself as a woman to secure a acting opportunity.

Dustin Hoffman pays tribute to Tootsie co-star Teri Garr after her death aged 79

Dustin Hoffman pays tribute to Tootsie co-star Teri Garr after her death aged 79

Garr received an Oscar nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category, but it was Jessica Lange who won the award for her portrayal of Julie Nichols, making her the co-star’s victor instead.

Apart from being recognized for her work, Garr is equally famous for her appearances in films like Young Frankenstein, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and portraying Phoebe’s mother in the popular television series Friends.

On Tuesday, the esteemed actress lost her life in Los Angeles following a prolonged struggle against Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

2002 saw the revelation that the accomplished celebrity had been diagnosed with a long-term illness affecting the central nervous system, specifically known as CNS damage. Subsequently, in 2006, she experienced an aneurysm.

With close to 160 credits under her belt, appearing in influential TV shows and movies spanning the 1970s to 1990s, she was a significant influence to many, including Tina Fey of SNL fame. Her most memorable role on television was as Phoebe Abbott, which she played in three episodes of the classic sitcom Friends from 1997 to 1998.

In “The One At The Beach,” her character reveals to Phoebe Buffay, played by Lisa Kudrow, that she is actually Phoebe’s biological mother.

Teri had returned to the role in two other episodes titled The One With Jellyfish and The One With Phoebe’s Uniform. 

One memorable character she played was Ronnie Neary, from the 1977 film ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind,’ directed by Steven Spielberg.

Dustin Hoffman pays tribute to Tootsie co-star Teri Garr after her death aged 79
Dustin Hoffman pays tribute to Tootsie co-star Teri Garr after her death aged 79

In 1978, when the film won the Best Cinematography Oscar (Vilmos Zsigmond), she played the role of the wife of Richard Dreyfuss’ character, Roy.

Nonetheless, her debut significant performance was that of the sprightly assistant Inga in the 1974 Mel Brooks’ comedy masterpiece, Young Frankenstein, sharing the screen with the illustrious Gene Wilder.

Dustin Hoffman pays tribute to Tootsie co-star Teri Garr after her death aged 79

2007 indie comedy Expired co-star, the late actress whom she worked with, was honored by Oscar-nominated performer Samantha Morton.

She posted a photo of the late actress Teri Garr, accompanied by this message: ‘Working with you was truly an honor, Teri Garr. You were a powerful, unyielding, and side-splitting woman. A brave fighter against multiple sclerosis, you brought such happiness to countless people. #terigarr’

The talented thespian was originally born in Ohio but eventually moved to Los Angeles.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I myself have traversed an educational journey that led me from Hollywood High School, through Cal State Northridge, to ultimately landing in the Big Apple for my acting studies.

In my fervent admiration, I’d like to share that Teri herself kickstarted her journey in the limelight as a go-go dancer, gracing no less than six films featuring the legendary Elvis Presley and performing at the iconic T.A.M.I. Show rock concert.

In the 1960s, she appeared in minor roles in television series such as That Girl, Batman, and The Andy Griffith Show.

1968 marked her debut acting performance when she took on a speaking role in the unconventional movie “Head,” a film produced by the popular band, The Monkees.

Teri went on to become a regular singer and dancer on The Sonny And Cher Show.

Later, a significant milestone in her professional journey occurred when she was cast in the 1974 movie “The Conversation,” directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

Dustin Hoffman pays tribute to Tootsie co-star Teri Garr after her death aged 79
Dustin Hoffman pays tribute to Tootsie co-star Teri Garr after her death aged 79

Years later she was casted again by the iconic filmmaker Coppola as she starred in 1981 flick One From The Heart.

Teri often graced our screens late into the night, with regular appearances on The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson, Late Night With David Letterman, and even taking over as host for SNL on three separate occasions.

In the 1990s, her career experienced a slight pause due to her appearances in movies like Dumb and Dumber (1994), an episode of ER in 1999, and a guest role on Friends during that time.

In an autobiography she penned, called “Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood,” the gifted actress detailed her professional journey, a book that hit shelves in 2006.

Garr is survived by  daughter, Molly O’Neil, and grandson Tyryn.

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2024-10-30 20:38

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