Teri Garr will be remembered for her comedic timing, on-screen wit and, of course, advocacy for those living with Multiple Sclerosis. The late 79-year-old died in Los Angeles on October 29, 2024, more than 20 years after she revealed the chronic health condition she had been living with. As fans grieve the loss of the Young Frankenstein actress, her cause of death has been revealed.
Teri’s friend and publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, confirmed that her cause of death was from complications associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), according to NBC News.
While appearing on CNN in 2002, Teri shared the several misdiagnoses she received before finally learning that she had MS.
“Starting many years ago, I would run, jog in the park, and I just started tripping,” Teri explained. “It was just, like, my toe. I would start to trip, and then, that would go away. Then, I would get some tingling in my arm. And I went to one doctor who said, ‘Oh, this is an orthopedic problem.’ … I called my brother in L.A. who is a doctor and he said, ‘You know, get another opinion.’ So, I went to a neurologist. And he said, ‘Yes, it’s a pinched nerve.’”
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system damages the brain’s myelin, which protects the nerve fibers, according to Mayo. Clinic. Over time, the nerve fibers may become deteriorated.
There is currently no cure for Multiple Sclerosis. However, treatments are available for patients.
Teri began her entertainment career as a dancer. She trained in ballet as a child before switching to acting. Early on in her career, Teri was credited under a slew of different names, including Terri Garr, Teri Hope and Terry Carr. She initially earned uncredited roles as a backup dancer in projects, including several of Elvis Presley‘s movies.
