Hollywood is grieving the loss of Teri Garr, a beloved actress admired for her charm, humor, and talent.
Garr, aged 79, passed away on Tuesday after a long struggle with multiple sclerosis.
Garr, 79, passed on Tuesday after a long fight with multiple sclerosis. Her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, shared that Garr was surrounded by family and close friends at the time.
In 2002, Garr publicly revealed her diagnosis on “Larry King Live,” admitting that she had quietly managed the condition for almost 20 years before opening up.
She explained she hadn’t spoken out sooner because doctors took years to confirm the diagnosis, which she described as “a hard one” to identify. Even once she knew, Garr said she didn’t feel the need to share it widely.
Garr’s career was legendary. She brought laughter and depth to the screen, with memorable roles in classics like Young Frankenstein and Mr. Mom.
Her role as Sandy Lester in the 1982 comedy Tootsie earned her an Academy Award nomination, marking her as a strong comedic talent. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love.
Garr’s passing has sparked tributes from friends, fans, and colleagues, including actors Michael Keaton, Mel Brooks, and Lisa Kudrow.
Keaton, who starred with her in Mr. Mom, shared his sadness, calling it “a day I feared.” He remembered her as wonderful both on and off set and encouraged people to revisit her work.
Kudrow, who acted with Garr in Friends, honored her as “a comedic genius” and said working with her was a blessing.
Director Brooks, who cast Garr in Young Frankenstein, expressed deep sadness. He praised her humor and remembered how her character’s “German accent” brought joy to the set.
Screenwriter Cinco Paul wrote a heartfelt tribute, calling her “never the star, but always shining,” crediting her with adding magic to everything she did.
Film producer Paul Feig also shared his sorrow, describing Garr as “a legend” and saying she was “one of my comedy heroes.” He expressed how deeply her passing touched him.
Garr was born in Ohio in 1944 to parents in entertainment. Her father performed in vaudeville, and her mother was a Rockette who later worked in costume production.
The family, including her two brothers, moved to New Jersey before settling in Los Angeles. Sadly, her father passed away when she was 11. Reflecting on her mother’s strength, Garr once shared how her mother “put two kids through school” while working in the studio costume department.
After studying ballet, Garr left college and moved to New York to pursue acting. She trained at the Actors Studio and Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, going on to an extraordinary career with over 150 film and television roles.
Her career left a lasting impact on audiences, bringing smiles and joy through unforgettable characters.
Garr’s presence and talent will be greatly missed. She brought warmth, humor, and light, leaving behind memories that will forever touch the hearts of fans. Rest in peace, Teri Garr.
Teri Garr, the beloved actress known for her warmth, wit, and talent, has passed away, leaving Hollywood in mourning.
This Girl Lost Her Star Dad at Only Two — He Didn’t Include Her in His Will, So His Co-stars Gave Up Money for Her
His daughter was upset because she could not find her father after he passed away. But there were other things she would miss out on besides his presence. She was not named in the actor’s will. Three of the actor’s costars sacrificed their wages for her out of concern for her well-being.
In the superhero movie “The Dark Knight,” this well-known celebrity portrayed The Joker, a psychotic criminal mastermind with a perverted sense of humor. The actor has portrayed numerous additional characters, such as those in “Lords of Dogtown” and “I’m Not There.”
On January 14, 2006, in Sydney, Australia, the actor, his wife, and his daughter depart from Sydney International Airport for their New York residence. | Source: Getty Images
The actor met Michelle Williams in 2004 while “Brokeback Mountain” was being filmed, and the two fell in love. Matilda Rose, their baby girl, was ushered into the world a year later. Sadly, the couple split up in 2007, but the actor’s devotion to his kid never wavered.
The actor would put his daughter in his backpack, hop on the tube, and head to Terry Gilliam’s house to discuss a project they were working on, according to the director.
Michelle Williams with the performer at the Marriott Marquis Ballroom’s Opening Night – After Party for “Awake and Sing!” in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, Matilda’s father passed away unexpectedly in 2008 at the age of two at his New York apartment. Due to her inability to comprehend her father’s abrupt absence, little Matilda would frequently ask her mother incomprehensible questions about him, which Michelle was unable to respond to. She was continuously asking:
“Where is my father?”
The Actor’s Costars Help His Daughter Out Financially
The actor was filming “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” just before he tragically his away. The movie tells the story of a traveling theater group whose leader offers his spectators the option of satisfying their own desires for enlightenment or satisfying their ignorance after placing a wager with the Devil.
On November 13, 2018, in London, England, Johnny Depp (L) and Jude Law attend the UK premiere of “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” at Cineworld Leicester Square. | Found via Getty Images
Terry Gilliam, the filmmaker, was unsure about whether to continue with the film or find a replacement after the star passed away. After some persuasion from his daughter, he ultimately chose the latter. He cast actors Colin Farrell, Jude Law, and Johnny Depp to portray the remaining roles in the movie in lieu of Ledger. Gilliam stated:
“No one questioned if the role was appropriate for them or how much they would be paid. Since they were all friends of Heath’s, they all wanted the movie to be completed in his honor.
On October 28, 2008, at Rome’s Film Festival 2008, Irish actor Colin Farrell poses on the red carpet upon arriving to introduce the film “Pride and Glory.” | Source: Getty Images
Tom Cruise and other A-list celebrities offered to play Ledger, but Gilliam rejected them because they were unfamiliar with the actor.
The three actors were more anxious about his daughter than Gilliam was about whether it made economical sense to replace him.
The performer in Santa Barbara, California, in Various Locations | Source: Getty Images
The three performers gave Matilda their entire wage in a gesture of exceptional kindness, working for little pay and keeping none of it for themselves. The star’s two-year-old daughter was not named in his will, it would later come to light.
The Actor’s Millions Showdown
Long before his daughter was born, the celebrated actor Heath Ledger penned a will that left his estimated $118,000 wealth to his parents and three sisters. After the birth of his daughter, he never revised the will.
After learning of the death of Matilda’s father, actor Heath Ledger, on January 23, 2008 in Brooklyn, New York, actress Michelle Williams and her two-year-old daughter Matilda Rose, return to their Boerum Hill home. | Found via Getty Images
That would normally imply that his daughter was not entitled to any inheritance from her father. However, a year following the actor’s passing, everything drastically changed.
On October 30, 2009, in New York City, actress Michelle Williams (right) and her daughter Matilda Ledger stroll to their Boerum Hill residence in the borough of Brooklyn. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Ledger, the actor’s father, stated to The Sunday Times that his family would not touch any of Ledger’s fortune; rather, they would donate it all to the actor’s daughter. According to Fox News, he stated:
“No claim is made. Matilda has received everything from our family.
On October 30, 2009, actress Michelle Williams was spotted in the Brooklyn borough of New York City with her daughter Matilda. | Found via Getty Images
The choice caused friction between Kim and his brothers, two of whom asserted that because Ledger’s father had mismanaged their grandfather’s wealth in the past, he was not qualified to serve as the actor’s executor.
Kim was saved, nevertheless, by Robert John Collins, an Australian who served as Ledger’s executor, who dismissed Kim’s brothers’ false charges. The brothers argued as a result of the claims, and they have since remained distant.
Matilda’s Present Life: A Mirror Image of Her Deceased Father
When her father died, Matilda was just two years old; yet, fifteen years later, she is an adult. From the very rare images of the 17-year-old that are available online, it is clear how much she resembles her father. Her grandfather Kim, among other family members, commented on the striking similarities.
“She bears a great deal of his mannerisms.” She has a lot of curiosity. Heath has never slept since he was two, and Matilda is the same way, so she has his vitality.
Kim showered his granddaughter with praise, describing her as a bundle of fire who exuded the same aura as Ledger. Not only did Matilda acquire her father’s characteristics, but she also bore traits from her mother, who dedicates her life to preserving Ledger’s memories for his daughter.
The young child’s never-ending search to learn more about her dad’s life and character is what has remained constant about him.
Michelle Ledger has done an amazing job parenting Matilda on her own since her father passed away, and as the actor’s sister Kate Ledger would later tell People:
“I believe that she creates such a lovely atmosphere for Matilda to grow up in, particularly given the kind of industry she works in.”
Kate described Michelle as grounded and mentioned how much Matilda looked like her brother, who passed away. She revealed that she is reminded of her brother by everything Matilda does.
Simple actions carried out by Matilda on her own, such picking up a pencil and getting on a skateboard, were identical to those that Ledger would have undertaken.
In addition, she says People, “I tell her about her daddy every time we see each other,” in an effort to preserve her brother’s memories in his daughter. I narrate to her tiny tales about him as a child, including how he used to follow me around with a cricket bat.
Matilda maintains a low profile despite having famous parents; the few pictures of her that are accessible feature her with her mother in various public settings.
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