Carrie Fisher

Carrie Frances Fisher (October 21, 1956 – December 27, 2016) was an American actress, screenwriter, author, and producer who became a cultural icon through her portrayal of Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars saga. Born in Los Angeles to actress Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher, Carrie was raised in the entertainment industry and made her film debut in the 1975 film Shampoo. Her role as Princess Leia, beginning with A New Hope in 1977, made her an international star and defined her career for decades. Beyond acting, Fisher was an accomplished screenwriter who worked on films including The Last Action Hero and Postcards from the Edge, which she also adapted from her own semi-autobiographical novel. She authored multiple bestselling memoirs, most notably Wishful Drinking, in which she candidly discussed her struggles with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, becoming an important voice in mental health advocacy. Fisher reprised her role as Leia in the Disney-era Star Wars films, introducing the character to new generations before her death in 2016, shortly before the release of The Force Awakens.