Actress Teri Garr Dead At 77 From Dementia

Longtime Character Actress Appeared in Forrest Gump, Tootsie and Young Frankenstein

Teri Garr, the veteran character actress who appeared in such films as "Tootsie," "Young Frankenstein" and "Forrest Gump," has died. She was 77.

Garr's death was confirmed by her publicist, who said she died in her sleep Saturday following a battle with dementia.

A Versatile Actress with a Distinctive Voice and Style

Garr was born in Lakewood, Ohio, in 1944. She began her career in the early 1960s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows.

She gained wider recognition in the 1970s, with roles in such films as "The Conversation" (1974), "Young Frankenstein" (1974) and "Tootsie" (1982).

Garr's distinctive voice and style made her a popular choice for character roles. She often played ditzy or eccentric characters, but she could also deliver dramatic performances.

A Long and Successful Career

Garr's career spanned more than five decades. She appeared in over 100 films and television shows.

Some of her most notable roles include Marilyn Monroe's friend and fellow actress in "The Shootist" (1976), a dancer in "The Right Stuff" (1983) and Forrest Gump's mother in "Forrest Gump" (1994).

Garr was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Tootsie." She also won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in the television series "AfterMASH" (1983).

A Private Person Who Fought Dementia

Garr was a private person who rarely spoke about her personal life.

In recent years, she had been battling dementia. Her publicist said she had been living in a care facility in the Los Angeles area.

Garr's death is a loss for the film and television community. She was a talented actress who brought joy to audiences for over five decades.