Michael Keaton says he 'feared' Teri Garr’s death as he pays heartfelt tribute to his 'Mr Mom' co-star

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Michael Keaton remembered his 'Mr Mom' co-star Teri Garr in a heartfelt tribute on social media following her death on October 29. 

Garr, known for her vibrant personality and quick wit, died at age 79 surrounded by loved ones, her publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, confirmed to People magazine.

Michael Keaton honors 'great comedienne' Teri Garr in heartfelt tribute

"This is a day I feared and knew was coming," Keaton captioned his first post after hearing the news.

"Forget about how great she was as an actress and comedienne. She was a wonderful woman. Not just great to work with but great to be around. AND go back and watch her comedic work—Man, was she great!! RIP girl."

Garr is survived by her daughter, Molly O'Neil, and her grandson.

Keaton and Garr first connected on the set of the 1983 comedy 'Mr Mom,' where they starred alongside Martin Mull, Ann Jillian, and Christopher Lloyd.

According to Closer Weekly, in a second tribute, Keaton shared a video montage of some of Garr’s most iconic performances, including scenes from 'Tootsie', 'Young Frankenstein', and other Hollywood classics.

"Just scratches the surface. I've spoken fondly of her on Today Show and other times," Keaton wrote. "I hope she saw them."

Garr’s talent earned her over 150 credits, making her a beloved figure both on and off-screen.

'Mr Mom' marked one of Keaton’s breakout roles, with Garr playing his character’s on-screen wife in a hilarious and unconventional portrayal of family life.

'Mr Mom' fans remember Teri Garr and Michael Keaton's chemistry in 1983 movie

Teri Garr’s acting career, filled with beloved roles and unforgettable performances, left a significant impact on Hollywood and fans alike.

The news of Garr's death shocked many, with one 'Mr Mom' fan writing, "Rip Teri Garr Teri & Michael Keaton in Mr Mom = Perfection. I’ve probably watched this movie more than any other just because of these two. Teri was one of the most likable human beings ever & we were blessed to enjoy her immense talent."

Another wrote, "I'm saddened hearing this. My favorite Garr film was Mr. Mom - she was just every woman in that movie. Safe travels Home, Teri."

Another tweet read, "Teri Garr, once made Michael Keaton utter the greatest phrase in movie history “220, 221…whatever it takes”, and she bravely talked about living with MS for 20 years. May her memory be a blessing. #txlege."

"Teri Garr for me will always be Michael Keaton's breadwinner wife in Mr. Mom. RIP,"  another fan wrote. 

Teri Garr battled multiple sclerosis while captivating audiences in her final role

Teri Garr revealed in 2002 that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition she had kept private for three years.

In her final acting role in 2011’s 'How to Marry a Billionaire', she demonstrated her determination to keep moving forward despite the challenges.

Reflecting on her career and her health struggles, she once shared, "I think my career would have changed anyway at a certain age, but Hollywood's very finicky about everyone being perfect. When things slowed down, it was either the MS or that I'm a stinking actress, so I chose to believe it's the MS."

Despite the struggles of living with a chronic illness, Garr kept a positive outlook.

In interviews, she often expressed her determination not to let the disease define her life. “I just don’t see the point of wallowing in it. It’s just a waste of time,” she shared, later adding, “It makes you stop and settle down and focus.”

Garr used her quieter moments to find joy in simple pleasures, rediscovering the joy of reading after a lifetime of constant activity.

“I have to sit and read. And all of a sudden I’m reading and I’m like, ‘This stuff is great. How come I never read this before?’ Because I was too busy shopping or having 8-by-10s taken of myself.”