Teri Garr Battles Multiple Sclerosis With a Positive Outlook With the Help of Her Family

In April, celebrity seekers gathered in LA for The Hollywood Show, a memorabilia and autograph event that featured Oscar-nominated Tootsie star Teri Garr.

Though she starred in many beloved films — from Close Encounters of the Third Kind to Young Frankenstein to Mr. Mom — and had a memorable TV role as Phoebe’s mother on Friends, it was a rare public outing for the still-bubbly actress, who has mostly stayed out of the spotlight.

Teri at the 58th Annual Academy Awards in 1986.

There’s a reason Teri, 67, has kept a low profile: Since 1999, she’s been fighting multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease of the central nervous system that’s potentially disabling. Yet Teri greeted fans with warmth at the show, beaming her familiar smile. In an exclusive interview with Closer, Teri insists that her upbeat attitude isn’t an act: “I am happiest when I am around people I like seeing,” she explains.

These days, it’s Teri’s daughter, Molly, who makes her happiest. “She is a great example of what inspires me and what I live for,” Teri tells Closer. The 21-year-old lives in an apartment in Teri’s home, which makes it easy for Molly to offer her mom help: “She is always there when I need her.”

Teri with daughter Molly in California in 2012.

So is Rosa Diaz, who’s worked for Teri since 1994, first as Molly’s nanny and now as Teri’s aide. “I just love Teri,” Rosa tells Closer. “I take care of her and do whatever she needs.” And, Rosa shares that, despite her MS, Teri still loves getting out, walking when she can and using a wheelchair when needed. “Every day, Teri is nonstop!” Rosa marvels.

Among her favorite spots to hit are Barnes & Noble (she recently read a biography of her Young Frankenstein co-star Madeline Kahn), and the beach in Malibu. “Teri just loves being outdoors,” Rosa says. Even indoors, she adds, this former dancer remains active: “She works out for about an hour almost every day,” using an exercise bike and other equipment.

For the full story on Teri, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now!