It hurts to write these words. We lost Carrie Fisher on December 27, 2016. The next day, we lost her mother, Debbie Reynolds. Here is my tribute to one of the funniest, most talented, and coolest people to ever live, and her talented, lovely mother.
In what was a downright awful year for celebrity deaths, this one hit me harder than all of the others. This was the first celebrity death of the year that made me cry. When I heard about Carrie's heart attack, I was very upset. I didn't know just how serious it was, but I thought she'd pull through. This loss was tremendous for me. I couldn't believe it when I heard about her passing. I thought it was a cruel joke. Unfortunately it was not, and one of my heroes was truly gone. It truly shocked me that someone so young, so full of life, and so on top of her game would be gone so quickly. Carrie was truly brilliant, and there's a little less brilliance in the world right now.
I, like many others, became captivated with Carrie Fisher after I saw her in Star Wars. Princess Leia was always my favorite character. I didn't see Star Wars until years after it was released. But immediately when I saw it, I fell in love with it. Part of the reason for that was Carrie Fisher, who was fantastic as Princess Leia, and really made the movie for me.
Obviously, Carrie's legacy extends far beyond Star Wars. She was a skilled author, a talented comic, and she appeared in numerous other TV and film roles. My favorite non-Star Wars role of Carrie's would have to be on my favorite TV show, 30 Rock. Rosemary's Baby remains one of my favorite 30 Rock episodes. Even her appearances on talk shows were always wonderful, and I'll miss them.
Farewell Carrie. You may be gone, but we will never forget you. Thanks for the laughs and the memories. I just wish that we had more time with you. Goodbye to a wonderful, hysterical, talented, and downright awesome person. You will be sorely missed. And, let's not forget. In her own words, Carrie "drowned in moonlight, strangled by my own bra."
Carrie Fisher, 1956-2016
May the Force Be With You
Unfortunately, just a day later, Debbie Reynolds, Carrie's mom, passed away. Both Debbie and her daughter Carrie were heroes of mine. I looked up to Carrie because of Star Wars, and Debbie because of Halloweentown, one of my favorite Halloween movies. I was lucky enough to have received Debbie's autograph before she died. I treasured it before, and I certainly will now.
Debbie has left behind an incredible legacy. Not only did she appear in numerous movies, she also appeared on television, wrote books, and had a wonderful family. She will be missed greatly.
It's hard to believe that they are both gone, but unfortunately they are. This news has left me incredibly numb and sad. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families at this difficult time.
Rest in Peace, Debbie. You're with Carrie now.
Debbie Reynolds, 1932-2016