What Is Teri Garr’s Net Worth?
At the time of her passing in October 2024, Teri Garr, the celebrated American actress, comedian, and dancer, had accumulated a net worth of $6 million. This financial standing was the result of a multifaceted career that spanned decades, encompassing notable film roles, television appearances, voice acting, and even authorship.
Breakdown of Teri Garr’s Career and Earnings
Teri Garr’s career spanned several decades, beginning with uncredited roles as a dancer in films such as “Kissin’ Cousins” (1964) and “Viva Las Vegas” (1964). These early roles, while not financially significant individually, marked the start of her journey in the entertainment industry. In the 1970s, she gained prominence through appearances on “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour” (1971–1974) and “The Sonny and Cher Show” (1976–1977), which provided her with steady income and increased her visibility.
One of Garr’s most notable roles was in the 1982 film “Tootsie,” where she played Sandy Lester. This role earned her an Academy Award nomination, significantly boosting her career and earning potential. The film itself was a major box office success, grossing over $177 million domestically against a budget of approximately $21 million. Although Garr’s specific salary for “Tootsie” isn’t publicly available, the prestige and recognition from the film undoubtedly led to higher pay for subsequent roles.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Garr continued to secure roles in popular films such as “Mr. Mom” (1983) and “Dumb and Dumber” (1994). “Mr. Mom” grossed over $64 million domestically, further solidifying her status as a bankable actress. In “Dumb and Dumber,” while specific salary details for Garr are not available, the film’s box office success, grossing over $247 million worldwide against a $17 million budget, indicates that she likely received a substantial salary.
Her television career also contributed significantly to her Teri Garr’s Net Worth. She had recurring roles in series like “McCloud” (1970–1975) and “Friends” (1997–1998), where she played Phoebe Abbott. While exact figures for her television earnings are not publicly disclosed, recurring roles in successful shows provide consistent income and residuals, adding to her overall wealth.
In addition to acting, Garr also ventured into voice acting, lending her voice to projects such as “Batman Beyond” (1999–2000) and “Aloha, Scooby-Doo!” (2005). Voice acting can be a lucrative field, with actors earning per episode or project. Although her specific earnings from voice acting are unknown, they contributed to her overall income stream.
Garr’s autobiography, “Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood,” published in 2005, also contributed to her income, with earnings from book sales and royalties. The exact amount of her earnings is undisclosed.
Teri Garr’s Real Estate and Personal Life
In 1992, Teri Garr purchased a 1,658-square-foot home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles for $1.455 million. This property, located on a 0.41-acre lot, included a guest house, a pool, and a spa. The house itself was built in the mid-1920s and featured two bedrooms and three bathrooms. This real estate investment was a significant component of her overall net worth.
Garr sold the Brentwood home in June 2008 for $3.944 million. This sale represented a substantial profit of $2.489 million over her initial investment, showcasing her ability to make sound financial decisions in real estate. The appreciation of the property over the 16 years she owned it significantly boosted her Teri Garr’s Net Worth.
Teri Garr’s personal life also influenced her financial situation. Her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in the late ’90s and her subsequent retirement from acting in 2011 likely impacted her earning potential in later years. While she remained active in advocacy and awareness campaigns, her ability to take on acting roles was limited.
In 2006, Garr experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm, which required extensive therapy to regain her speech and motor skills. These medical expenses could have potentially impacted her finances, although the extent of this impact is not publicly known.