Teri Garr's entry into the show business was facilitated by her birthright, as she was the daughter of Eddie Garr, a renowned Broadway stage and film actor, and Phyllis Garr, a talented dancer. Her family relocated from Hollywood to New Jersey while she was still an infant, but after the untimely passing of her father when she was just 11 years old, they returned to Hollywood, where her mother found employment as a wardrobe mistress for movies and television.
Garr's early career saw her dancing in five Elvis Presley movies, and she made her first speaking role in the 1968 feature film Head, starring The Monkees. The 1970s proved to be a pivotal decade for Garr, as she established herself on television with appearances on popular shows such as Star Trek, It Takes a Thief, and McCloud. She also became a semi-regular on The Sonny and Cher Show, playing the role of Olivia, Cher's friend.
Throughout her illustrious career, Garr rose to become one of Hollywood's most versatile, energetic, and well-recognized actresses. She starred in a wide range of memorable films, including Young Frankenstein, Oh, God!, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Mr. Mom, After Hours, and her Academy Award-nominated performance for Best Supporting Actress in Tootsie. Other notable film roles include The Black Stallion, One from the Heart, The Escape Artist, Firstborn, Let It Ride, Full Moon in Blue Water, Out Cold, Short Time, Waiting for the Light, Mom and Dad Save the World, Perfect Alibi, Ready to Wear, and A Simple Wish.
