History of Teri Garr in Timeline

Teri Garr was a prominent American actress known for her comedic roles in both film and television. Her career spanned four decades, during which she accumulated over 140 credits. Garr's talent earned her significant recognition, including an Academy Award nomination, a BAFTA Award nomination, and a National Board of Review Award. Her extensive work and impressive performances have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

December 11, 1944: Birth of Teri Garr

Teri Garr was born on December 11, 1944. She was an American actress renowned for her comedic roles throughout a career spanning four decades, with over 140 credits in film and television.

1963: Film Debut in A Swingin' Affair

In 1963, Teri Garr made her film debut as an extra in 'A Swingin' Affair,' marking the beginning of her long acting career.

1966: Television Appearance on Batman

In 1966, Teri Garr made an uncredited appearance on the television show 'Batman,' adding to her early television credits.

1968: Appearances on The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry R.F.D.

In 1968, Teri Garr appeared on 'The Andy Griffith Show' and 'Mayberry R.F.D.,' as well as two episodes of 'It Takes a Thief,' expanding her presence on television.

1968: First Speaking Role in Head

In 1968, Teri Garr had her first speaking role in the film 'Head,' a movie written by Jack Nicholson, marking a milestone in her acting career.

1968: Career Breakthrough with Star Trek

In 1968, Teri Garr landed a significant acting role in the Star Trek episode 'Assignment: Earth,' which she considered her big break as it led to more acting opportunities.

1972: Regular Role on The Ken Berry 'WOW' Show

In 1972, Teri Garr secured a regular role in 'The Ken Berry 'WOW' Show,' demonstrating her versatility as a performer in comedy sketches.

1974: Prominence in Film with The Conversation and Young Frankenstein

In 1974, Teri Garr gained prominence with roles in Francis Ford Coppola's thriller 'The Conversation' and Mel Brooks's comedy 'Young Frankenstein,' marking a significant point in her acting career.

1974: Roles in The Conversation and Young Frankenstein

In 1974, Teri Garr played roles in 'The Conversation' and 'Young Frankenstein,' which significantly boosted her acting career.

1977: Roles in Close Encounters and Oh, God!

In 1977, Teri Garr appeared in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and 'Oh, God!,' showcasing her range in both drama and comedy.

1978: Stage Performance in One Crack Out

In 1978, Teri Garr performed off-Broadway in 'One Crack Out,' playing the wife of a pool hustler, which highlighted her stage acting talent.

1979: Role in The Black Stallion

In 1979, Teri Garr appeared in 'The Black Stallion,' portraying the mother of the film's young protagonist.

1980: Hosting Saturday Night Live

In 1980, Teri Garr hosted 'Saturday Night Live,' showcasing her comedic skills to a live audience.

1982: Academy Award Nomination for Tootsie

In 1982, Teri Garr earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the comedy 'Tootsie,' solidifying her reputation as a talented actress.

1982: First Noticed MS Symptoms During 'Tootsie' Filming

In 1982, Teri Garr first noticed symptoms of multiple sclerosis while filming 'Tootsie' in New York. This marked the beginning of her long journey with the disease, which she later shared publicly to raise awareness.

1982: Recognition as a 'Comedic Legend'

In 1982, Teri Garr was recognized as a 'comedic legend' by film critic Pauline Kael, who called her 'the funniest neurotic dizzy dame on the screen'. Her comedic talent influenced future performers, including Jenna Fischer and Tina Fey.

1983: Hosting Saturday Night Live Again

In 1983, Teri Garr hosted 'Saturday Night Live' for the second time, further demonstrating her appeal as a comedic host.

1983: Starring in Mr. Mom

In 1983, Teri Garr starred alongside Michael Keaton in the family film 'Mr. Mom,' further showcasing her comedic talent.

1985: Role in After Hours

In 1985, Teri Garr acted in Martin Scorsese's black comedy 'After Hours,' contributing to her diverse filmography with another notable performance.

1985: Third Hosting on Saturday Night Live

In 1985, Teri Garr hosted 'Saturday Night Live' for the third time, solidifying her status as a favored guest host.

1986: Appearance on Sesame Street

In 1986, Teri Garr appeared in episode 2223 of 'Sesame Street' as Amelia Adams, showcasing her versatility in children's television.

March 1988: Arrest During Nuclear Weapons Protest

In March 1988, Teri Garr was arrested for trespassing during a protest against nuclear weapons testing in Mercury, Nevada. This event highlighted her involvement in social and political activism.

1989: Role in Let It Ride

In 1989, Teri Garr appeared in 'Let It Ride,' playing opposite Richard Dreyfuss, adding to her extensive film career.

July 1990: Stalking Incident Court Order

In July 1990, a Los Angeles County judge issued a court order against a woman charged with stalking Teri Garr. The woman was ordered to cease contact and maintain a distance from Garr, highlighting challenges Garr faced regarding her personal safety.

1992: Film Appearance in The Player

In 1992, Teri Garr appeared in Robert Altman's film 'The Player,' continuing her successful film career into the 1990s.

1992: Role in Mom and Dad Save the World

In 1992, Teri Garr played a role in 'Mom and Dad Save the World,' a sci-fi adventure/comedy film, continuing her presence in the film industry.

1993: Marriage to John O'Neil and Adoption of Daughter

In 1993, Teri Garr married building contractor John O'Neil and adopted a daughter, Molly O'Neil, in November of that year. This marked a significant personal milestone in her family life.

1994: Roles in Prêt-à-Porter and Dumb and Dumber

In 1994, Teri Garr appeared in Robert Altman's 'Prêt-à-Porter' and the comedy 'Dumb and Dumber,' maintaining her presence in popular films.

1996: Divorce from John O'Neil

In 1996, Teri Garr and her husband John O'Neil divorced, concluding their marriage after three years. This event was a notable change in her personal life.

1996: Supporting Role in Michael

In 1996, Teri Garr had a supporting role in the film 'Michael,' contributing to her extensive acting career.

1997: Television Role on Friends

In 1997, Teri Garr began her recurring role as Phoebe Abbott on the sitcom 'Friends,' playing the estranged birth mother of Phoebe Buffay.

1998: Garr's Appearance in 'Casper Meets Wendy'

In 1998, Teri Garr played a minor supporting role as a witch in the children's film 'Casper Meets Wendy'. This performance was part of her career during a period when she began experiencing symptoms of multiple sclerosis, which would later impact her career trajectory.

1999: Role in 'Dick' and Voice Work in 'Batman Beyond'

In 1999, Teri Garr took on the role of the mother of Michelle Williams' character in the political comedy 'Dick'. Additionally, she provided the voice of Mary McGinnis in the animated series 'Batman Beyond', showcasing her versatility as an actress in both live-action and voice roles.

2000: Return to Stage with 'The Vagina Monologues'

In the fall of 2000, Teri Garr returned to the stage, performing in off-Broadway productions of 'The Vagina Monologues' alongside Sanaa Lathan and Julianna Margulies. This marked a significant comeback to live performances.

2001: Uncredited Role in 'Ghost World'

In 2001, Teri Garr appeared in an uncredited role in Terry Zwigoff's film 'Ghost World'. This role came as her career was transitioning due to health challenges.

2001: Appearance in Ghost World

In 2001, Teri Garr appeared in the film 'Ghost World,' showcasing her ability to adapt to different film genres.

October 2002: Public Disclosure of Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

In October 2002, Teri Garr publicly confirmed her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, a condition she had lived with in private for years. She expressed her desire to help others facing similar challenges and to provide hope through available treatments.

2002: Announcement of Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

In 2002, Teri Garr announced that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which had started affecting her performance abilities in the 1990s.

November 2005: Honored as MS Society's Ambassador of the Year

In November 2005, Teri Garr was honored as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Ambassador of the Year. Her advocacy for the disease and her transparency about her own condition were recognized by the society.

December 2006: Survival and Recovery from Brain Aneurysm

In December 2006, Teri Garr suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm, resulting in a week-long coma. After extensive therapy, she regained her speech and motor skills, demonstrating resilience in the face of health challenges.

2008: Appearance on 'Late Show with David Letterman'

In 2008, Teri Garr appeared on 'Late Show with David Letterman' to promote her film 'Expired', marking a public appearance after recovering from a brain aneurysm.

December 9, 2009: Appearance on The Moth Radio Hour

On December 9, 2009, Teri Garr appeared on The Moth Radio Hour, sharing a humorous story titled 'Wake Up Call'. This appearance highlighted her storytelling ability and sense of humor.

2011: Retirement from Acting

In 2011, Teri Garr retired from acting, concluding a distinguished career in film and television.

2012: Appearance at Race to Erase MS Event

In 2012, Teri Garr appeared at the 19th Annual Race to Erase MS event. Her presence at the event underscored her ongoing advocacy for multiple sclerosis awareness following her own diagnosis.

2015: Acknowledgment of Support in MS Battle

In 2015, Teri Garr credited her positive attitude and family support as crucial in her battle with multiple sclerosis, emphasizing the importance of a supportive network in overcoming life's challenges.

2019: Confirmation of Retirement

In 2019, it was confirmed that Teri Garr had retired from acting back in 2011, affirming her decision to step back from her professional career due to ongoing health challenges.

October 29, 2024: Death of Teri Garr

Teri Garr passed away on October 29, 2024. She left behind a legacy as a prominent actress with a career that included numerous accolades such as an Academy Award nomination.