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Lisa Kudrow and the world remember the lateFRIENDSstar, Teri Garr, after the tragic news of her death. The comedic actress passed away at the age of 79 in Los Angeles this Tuesday after her 20-year battle with multiple sclerosis. She was surrounded by family and close friends, her publicist confirmed.
The late star notably hid her sickness for a couple of years after her diagnosis in 1999, but after three years, she came forward and shared her story to raise awareness for others who also suffer from the same illness.
Lisa Kudrow Pays Tribute toFRIENDSCostar Teri Garr
In an exclusive interview withPeople, fellowFRIENDSstarLisa Kudrowpaid her respect for the late Teri Garr whom she worked with in the hit sitcom series.
Teri Garr was a comedic acting genius who was and is a huge influence on me and I know I’m not alone in that. I feel so lucky and grateful I got to work with Teri Garr.
Garr portrayed Phoebe Abbott onFRIENDS, the mother of Kudrow’s Phoebe Buffay. Her debut appearance in the show was in Season 3’s finale episode where Buffay met Abbott believing she’s a friend of her parents. Kudrow’s character soon discovers that this mysterious woman is her true mother.
The Oscar-nominated actress started as a background dancer inElvis Presleymovies and worked her way to getting her big break after appearing inStar Trek. Some of her notable works includedYoung FrankensteinandTootsie.
“It’s too embarrassing to watch yourself”: Lisa Kudrow Had a Hard Time Rewatching FRIENDS But Matthew Perry’s Tragic Death Made Her Watch the Show Again to Honor Him
Her involvement in the entertainment business was no accident. Born from a family of creatives, a comedic-actor father and a studio costumer mother, she was meant for stardom.
Garr was known for her spontaneous humor, and her frequent appearances in NBC’sLate Night With David Lettermanwere credited as a huge factor in making the show a major hit.
Teri Garr’s First Time Discussing About Her Battle Against Multiple Sclerosis
Garr spoke numerous times about her struggle with multiple sclerosis, but when asked byCNN’s Larry King why she chose to hide it for a few years, she responded:
I didn’t know I had it for that many years. I mean, I went to many – like 11 doctors, and no one really – you know, it’s a very hard diagnosis. And then it would go away and I’d be fine. So I’d say, oh, hell with it, I’m going to go on with my life.
The late actress revealed she started feeling the symptoms when she had a little ticking sensation on her right leg, causing her to trip. It eventually spread to her right arm, and in 1999, the illness got worse. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, and it is unpredictable.
Lisa Kudrow Was Going Through Incredible Pain in 1 FRIENDS Scene, Kept Smiling the Whole Time
Still, Garr continued doing what she loved to do. She worked on more television and film projects, and she raised her daughter Molly. Soon after, she became a national ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and she also worked for the Society’s Women Against MS program. In 2011, she officially retired from acting.
FRIENDSis currently available to watch on Netflix.
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3532
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.
