3 sci-fi films to watch to honor Star Trek's Teri Garr

The world of Star Trek lost a true gem today, as Teri Garr passed away at the age of 79. The actress rose to fame in the 1970s, starring in some of the biggest movies made during the decade. Yet, despite her lauded standing for over three decades, Garr never forgot where she came from.

She remembered her big break and who gave it to her, and that just so happened to be Star Trek. While she had an infamous falling out with Gene Roddenberry following her refusal to shorten the length of her skirt, she still credits the franchise with helping her launch her career.

In her autobiography, she claims that after her time on Star Trek, the bigger roles started coming in. While Roddenberry may have never brought her back to the franchise, for one reason or another, Garr rose to become an icon and today, we celebrate three of her best sci-fi projects.

Mom and Dad Save the World

Arguably, not a great film, but Garr's list of outright sci-fi isn't that deep. Mom and Dad Save the World does offer up some campy fun, however, and could be a film that interests you. Garr was wonderful in it, despite playing the opposite of disgraced actor Jeffrey Jones. Still, if you want some early 1990s fun, you could do worse than this long-forgotten flick. And hey, it's no worse than something like Stay Tuned.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

A genuine sci-fi classic. A film about communication against the backdrop of an alien encounter. Ggarr is simply dynamic in this film, starring opposite of Rufus Dryfus. Their acting, combined with a wonderful script has made this film a classic over 50 years later.

Young Frankenstein

Sadly, Garr's passing came around Halloween, and so our last recommendation is the most fitting for the season. Garr was brilliant as Inga in this whimsical retelling of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Directed by comedy legend Mel Brooks, the film sees Gene Wilder attempting to create his own monster, with shenanigans and tomfoolery to be had at every turn. It is a wonderful film to remember a true star this October.