Most well known for playing Betty Johnson on the 1980s sitcom Punky Brewster, she is also remembered for her work as a jazz singer.
Before beginning her entertainment career, she studied psychology at Detroit's Shaw College.
She appeared in two episodes of The Jeffersons and in one episode of 227.
Garrett's famous younger sister, Marla Gibbs, received numerous Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Florence Johnston on CBS's The Jeffersons.
She and George Gaynes were both in the cast of Punky Brewster.