Teri Garr Net Worth 2024, Salary and Earnings: Teri Garr was an Academy Award-nominated American actress with a net worth of $6 million at the time of her death in 2024, known for roles in ‘Tootsie’ and ‘Young Frankenstein,’ who earned approximately $40,000 per film in her early career and made significant income through her Brentwood property sale of $3.944 million.
Key Takeaways
- Teri Garr accumulated a net worth of $6 million through her extensive acting career spanning 1963-2011.
- The Academy Award-nominated actress appeared in over 150 productions including iconic films like ‘Young Frankenstein’ and ‘Tootsie’.
- Her most profitable real estate transaction was selling her Brentwood home for $3.944 million in 2008.
- Garr passed away on October 29, 2024, at age 79 due to complications from multiple sclerosis.
Net Worth Overview
Teri Garr maintained a net worth of $6 million at the time of her death in 2024. Her financial portfolio was built primarily through her acting career, strategic real estate investments, and various television appearances. While not among Hollywood’s highest earners, Garr established financial stability through consistent work and smart property decisions.
Early Life and Education
Born Terry Ann Garr on December 11, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, she grew up in a show business family. Her father, Eddie Garr, worked as a vaudeville performer and comedian, while her mother, Phyllis Garr, performed as a Rockette and worked as a wardrobe mistress. After her father’s death when she was 11, Garr’s family faced financial challenges, leading her to pursue dance training through scholarships.
She attended North Hollywood High School and briefly studied at San Fernando Valley State College (now California State University, Northridge) before moving to New York to study at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.
Career Progression and Earnings
Garr’s career began as a background dancer in Elvis Presley films during the 1960s. Her first speaking role came in the 1968 film ‘Head.’ Her breakthrough arrived with ‘Young Frankenstein’ (1974), followed by significant roles in ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ (1977) and ‘Tootsie’ (1982), the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination.
While specific salary figures remain private for most productions, reports indicate she earned approximately $40,000 for her role in ‘Oh, God!’ (1977). Her earnings increased substantially during the 1980s with leading roles in major studio productions.
Real Estate and Assets
Garr’s most significant known asset was her Brentwood, Los Angeles property. Purchased in 1992 for $1.455 million, the 1,658-square-foot home featured:
- Two bedrooms
- Three bathrooms
- Guest house
- Swimming pool
- 0.41-acre lot
She sold the property in 2008 for $3.944 million, representing her most profitable investment.
Personal Life and Relationships
Garr’s personal life included several long-term relationships but only one marriage. She dated film executive Roger Birnbaum for seven years in the early 1980s, followed by a seven-year relationship with physician David Kipper. In 1993, she married contractor John O’Neil, adopting daughter Molly that same year. The marriage ended in divorce in 1996.
Health Challenges and Later Years
In 2002, Garr publicly revealed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, though she had experienced symptoms since filming ‘Tootsie’ in 1982. She faced additional health challenges in 2006 when a brain aneurysm left her in a coma for a week. Despite these setbacks, she continued working until her retirement in 2011.
Professional Recognition
Garr’s career garnered several prestigious nominations:
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (‘Tootsie’, 1983)
- BAFTA Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (‘Tootsie’, 1984)
- Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’, 1978)
- National Board of Review Award for Best Acting Ensemble (‘Prêt-à-Porter’, 1994)
Latest News: Tributes Pour In After Passing
On October 29, 2024, news outlets worldwide reported the passing of Teri Garr at age 79. The actress died after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, a condition she had publicly battled since 2002.
Multiple news sources, including STERN.de, Spiegel, and T-Online, confirmed her death, highlighting her significant contributions to cinema. Fellow actor Michael Keaton, who worked with Garr in “Mr. Mom” (1983), expressed particular sadness at her passing, according to GALA.de.
The news of her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the entertainment industry, with many highlighting her:
- Remarkable comedic timing
- Contributions to over 150 films and TV shows
- Courage in facing her health challenges
- Role as an advocate for multiple sclerosis awareness
German media particularly noted her role in “Frankenstein Junior” (known as “Young Frankenstein” in English-speaking territories), where she played Inga, one of her most memorable characters.
Legacy and Impact
Garr’s influence extends beyond her filmography. She became a prominent advocate for multiple sclerosis awareness, serving as National Chair for the Society’s Women Against MS program. Her comedic timing and natural wit influenced later generations of actresses, including Tina Fey and Jenna Fischer.
Final Years and Death
Garr spent her final years in Los Angeles, where she died on October 29, 2024, at age 79. Her passing marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned nearly five decades and left an indelible mark on American cinema and television.
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