'Friends' star Lisa Kudrow pays tribute to TV mom Teri Garr after her death, calls her a ‘huge influence’
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Following the death of Teri Garr on October 29 at age 79, Lisa Kudrow shared a touching tribute to her 'Friends' TV mom, calling her a “comedic acting genius” who profoundly shaped her career in an emotional message to PEOPLE.
Kudrow, who portrayed Phoebe Buffay on the iconic sitcom, expressed her gratitude, saying, “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.”
Lisa Kudrow honors 'Friends' mom Teri Garr as a 'comedic genius'
Garr’s role as Phoebe Abbott, the estranged mother of Kudrow's Phoebe Buffay, added a memorable twist to the series. She debuted in the 'Friends' Season 3 finale, "The One at the Beach," where her character was revealed as Phoebe’s biological mother. Their interactions on-screen brought out shared quirky mannerisms that resonated with fans and showcased Garr's comedic skill.
Beyond 'Friends', Garr’s career spanned across major films, with standout roles in 'Young Frankenstein' (1974) and 'Tootsie' (1982).
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the late ’90s, Garr later opened up about her health journey in her memoir, 'Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood', released in 2006.
Reflecting on her experience, she wrote, “MS is a sneaky disease. Like some of my boyfriends, it has a tendency to show up at the most awkward times and then disappear entirely. It would take over 20 years for doctors to figure out what was wrong. Sometimes they mentioned MS, but all the tests came back clear. Then the symptoms would fade away and I'd forget about it, sort of.”
Garr died "surrounded by family and friends," according to her publicist Heidi Schaeffer, marking the end of an era for fans of her warm, witty characters and enduring legacy in comedy.
Teri Garr’s legacy: From iconic roles to raising awareness about multiple sclerosis
Teri Garr’s illustrious career brought her into the spotlight through memorable comedic performances in films like 'Tootsie' and 'Young Frankenstein', along with notable appearances on beloved TV shows such as 'McCloud, MASH', 'The Bob Newhart Show', and 'The Odd Couple'.
Garr’s versatility extended to hosting 'Saturday Night Live' three times — in 1980, 1983, and 1985 — where her wit and charm made her a fan favorite. Beyond her iconic film roles, she took part in 'Casper Meets Wendy' and 'Women of the House', the 'Designing Women' spinoff series, and appeared in 'Dick and Ghost World', further cementing her status as a comedy staple.
After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Garr became an advocate for the cause, serving as a national ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and chairing the Society’s Women Against MS program.
In a 2005 interview with Brain & Life Magazine, Garr discussed how living with MS affected her pace of life, “Slowing down is so not in my nature, but I have to. Stress and anxiety and all those high-tension things are not good for MS.”
Despite her diagnosis, she continued working in selective roles until her retirement in 2011, leaving behind a legacy.
Lisa Kudrow’s touching tribute to Teri Garr sparks emotional responses from fans
Following Lisa Kudrow’s heartfelt tribute to her 'Friends' TV mom, Teri Garr, fans took to social media to share their love and memories of Garr’s unforgettable roles. Garr, who played Phoebe Buffay’s quirky and estranged mother, Phoebe Abbott, left an indelible mark on viewers, and many fondly recalled her natural chemistry with Kudrow.
One fan shared, “Loved her on Friends. The perfect mother to Phoebe, so natural,” while another noted, “She was the perfect actress to play Phoebe’s mother.” Another fan remarked on their uncanny resemblance, saying, “These two, my gosh! Could be sisters—they look so alike.”
Many fans expressed sorrow over her death and gratitude for her contributions to comedy. One wrote, “That makes me sad. She will be missed. They nailed picking her for Phoebe’s Mom. Uncanny. Thank you, Doll, for your beauty and talent. Fly high.”
Others remembered her warmth and humor, with one saying, “She was so funny and heartwarming in this role. Perfect.”
Fans who followed Garr’s career before her 'Friends' role also shared their admiration. “I loved her before she played on Friends, even more after,” a fan commented, while another added simply, “She was the best!”
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