Born on this day in 1944.
Terry Ann “Teri” Garr is an American actress who had her film break in Young Frankenstein. She went on to act in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Tootsie and Mr. Mom.
Garr auditioned for the Los Angeles Road company production of West Side Story where she met David Winters. Winters would cast her in films and TV shows, including nine Elvis Presley features. Her first speaking role was in the 1968 Monkees film, Head.
She appeared frequently on television including being a regular cast member on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. She had a recurring role on McCloud, appeared on M*A*S*H. She was also a frequent Tonight Show guest and hosted Saturday Night Live three times in the 1980s.
In 2002, Garr publicly revealed that she was battling multiple Sclerosis. In going public she said “I’m telling my story for the first time so I can help people. I can help people know they aren’t alone and tell them there are reasons to be optimistic because, today, treatment options are available.”
In 2006, Teri Garr suffered a brain aneurism. After regaining her motor skills and speech through therapy, she appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman without the need of a wheelchair.