Teri Garr, 'Young Frankenstein' and 'Tootsie' star, dies at 79

Teri Garr, the Oscar-nominated comedic actor best known for her spirited performances in classics such as "Young Frankenstein," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "Tootsie," died Tuesday in Los Angeles, according to her publicist and friend Heidi Schaeffer.

Teri Garr, the Oscar-nominated comedic actor best known for her spirited performances in classics such as "Young Frankenstein," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "Tootsie," died Tuesday in Los Angeles, according to her publicist and friend Heidi Schaeffer.

She was 79. The cause of death was complications from multiple sclerosis, Schaeffer said.

Garr was open about her experience with MS, a health ordeal she chronicled in the 2005 autobiography "Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood."

In a screen career that spanned more than 40 years, Garr endeared herself to audiences with her quirky on-screen persona and quick wit. She was a familiar face on sitcoms and late-night talk shows, including NBC's "The Tonight Show" during the Johnny Carson era.

Garr, who was trained as a ballet performer, launched her Hollywood career as an uncredited go-go dancer in six musicals starring Elvis Presley.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/teri-garr-young-frankenstein-tootsie-star-dies-79-rcna177841

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