Lisa Kudrow Pays Tribute To Her Late TV Mom And ‘Friends’ Costar Teri Garr

Lisa Kudrow lost her TV mom, Teri Garr, to complications of multiple sclerosis on Tuesday, and the Friends star paid a heartfelt tribute. Teri played Phoebe Abbott in the hit sitcom, appearing in just three episodes as the estranged mother of Lisa’s character, Phoebe Buffay.

Reports say that 79-year-old Teri was surrounded by family and friends at her time of passing after suffering from the debilitating illness for nearly three decades. Lisa admitted that Teri influenced her greatly, tagging her as a comedic acting genius.

Lisa Kudrow remembers Teri Garr

Lisa admitted that she feels lucky and grateful to have worked with Teri, and the likes of her Tootsie costar Dustin Hoffman agree, as he called their collaboration one of his greatest highs. He praised her diligence in delivering only the best on set, adding that there was no one else like her.

Despite her health challenge, which she battled alongside a brain aneurysm, Teri continued to minor supporting roles in films like Unaccompanied Minors, Expired and Kabluey. She also released her autobiography Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood, which gave a candid look into her health and career, after which she retired in 2011.

Fans join Lisa Kudrow in remembering Teri Garr

Friends fans took to social media to empathize with Lisa, with some noting that they immediately thought of her once they heard the tragic news. “Sorry for Your Loss… RIP. Terri Garr,” someone wrote. “Teri Garr as Lisa Kudrow’s mother may be the most perfect casting ever,” another comfortingly quipped.

She made an impact from her negative situation, as she helped others suffering from multiple sclerosis through the National Chair for the Society’s Women Against MS program and National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She maintained a positive outlook on life, noting that she only publicized her condition to give hope to other affected patients.