R.I.P. Carrie Fisher (1956-2016)

Published on 12/27/16 by Craig Smith

It is a very sad day for the Star Wars fandom and in the larger Disney family. The Associated Press is reporting that the actress, who will forever be most known for her role as Princess Leia, Carrie Fisher, has died a the age of 60 in Los Angeles. Cause of death has not been reported, but most of you know that Fisher had been in the hospital since she had a medical issue on a flight last week which had been described as a “cardiac episode.”

Image courtesy StarWars.com

Carrie Fisher, born on October 21, 1956, in Beverly Hills, California, was a legendary actress, writer, and advocate known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise. Her life was marked by talent, tenacity, and unapologetic authenticity, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and beyond.

Fisher grew up in a showbiz family, with her parents, actress Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher, in the spotlight. She developed a passion for acting at a young age and made her film debut in 1975. However, it was her role as Princess Leia in George Lucas’ Star Wars in 1977 that catapulted her to international fame. Her portrayal of Leia, the fearless and independent princess turned rebel leader, earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. Fisher continued to portray Leia in subsequent Star Wars films, becoming an iconic figure in popular culture and a symbol of female empowerment.

Beyond her work in Star Wars, Fisher was a multi-talented artist. She was a prolific writer, penning numerous novels, memoirs, and screenplays. Her writing was known for its wit, humor, and candidness, often exploring her own struggles with mental health, addiction, and the challenges of fame. Fisher’s openness about her personal battles with bipolar disorder and addiction helped destigmatize mental health issues and inspired many to seek help and speak out about their own experiences.

In addition to her talent as an actress and writer, Fisher was also known for her tenacity and resilience. She faced numerous challenges throughout her life, including personal struggles, professional setbacks, and health issues. However, she never shied away from being herself, flaws and all, and remained true to her unique and authentic voice. Her unapologetic approach to life and her willingness to share her vulnerabilities made her a relatable and beloved figure to many.

Fisher’s impact extended beyond the entertainment industry. She was an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, addiction recovery, and gender equality. She used her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change, advocating for those who faced similar challenges to her own. Her activism and advocacy work made a meaningful impact and inspired others to take action.

Fisher’s movie career had a bit of a renaissance in 2015 as she reprised her role as Leia in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and we were all looking forward to seeing her play the iconic rebel once again in next year’s unnamed Star Wars Episode VIII. In between her movie and TV roles, Fisher was also a prolific author and mental health and addiction awareness advocate.

Yet another artist gone too early in a horrible year for celebrity deaths.

Carrie Fisher’s AP Obituary can be read here.