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Dustin Hoffman Remembers Teri Garr Following Her Passing

Dustin Hoffman has shared heartfelt reflections on the life and career of Teri Garr, his fellow actor from the beloved film Tootsie, who passed away at the age of 79. In a recent statement to the New York Post, the 87-year-old actor praised Garr as a unique talent and an exceptional person.

“Teri was brilliant and singular in all she did, and had a heart of gold,” Hoffman remarked. “Working with her was one of the great highs. There was no one like her.”

Teri Garr’s struggle with multiple sclerosis, diagnosed in 2002, ultimately led to her passing. According to her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, she died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.

Career Highlights

Garr’s storied career in film included memorable performances in classics such as Young Frankenstein, where she played Inga, and her critically acclaimed role as Sandy Lester in Tootsie. The latter film, in which Hoffman starred as an out-of-work actor who poses as a woman for a role, captivated audiences with its humor and heart. The plot thickens as Michael Dorsey, portrayed by Hoffman, finds himself romantically entangled with Julie Nichols, played by Jessica Lange.

Her performance in Tootsie earned Garr an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, highlighting her exceptional talent. The film’s success later inspired a musical adaptation that premiered on Broadway in 2019, demonstrating the lasting impact of Garr’s work.

In the stage production, Santino Fontana took on the role of Michael, supported by Lilli Cooper as Julie and Sarah Stiles portraying Sandy Lester, marking a continuation of the story Garr had once brought to life.

Reflections on Recognition

In her memoir Speedbumps: Flooring it Through Hollywood, Garr expressed her pride in receiving the Oscar nomination. “The Academy not only knew I existed, they thought I was good!” she reflected.

Garr often credited her mother, Phyllis Lind Garr, for helping her land significant roles throughout her career. In an interview with PBS, she explained how her mother, who worked as a wardrobe woman on the set of Young Frankenstein, contributed to her casting as Inga by urging the production team to consider her.

“It was unbelievable,” Garr recalled about her audition success after four rounds. Her drive and determination highlighted her commitment to the craft and her pursuit of acting in an industry that often posed significant challenges.

As Hollywood mourns the loss of Teri Garr, her legacy remains ingrained in the hearts of fans and those who were fortunate enough to work alongside her. Hoffman’s tribute encapsulates the deep admiration many held for Garr, reminding us of her unique contributions to cinema and the joy she brought to audiences throughout her career.

Source
people.com