I never got the chance to meet either of you, but I feel as if I have. You came into my life through my television screen in various forms over the years, but most notably, I resonated with a girl named Molly and a princess named Leia. Even still, you represent my favorite Broadway musical of all time, and one of my favorite film franchises. Though I never got the chance to meet you in person, you have had more of an impact on my life than you will ever know.

Ms. Debbie Reynolds: You presented Molly Brown in a way that I believe nobody else could have. I first watched The Unsinkable Molly Brown when I was around ten years old, and it changed my life. I remember watching the movie and deciding that I wanted to make people the way you made me feel. As I got older, I began auditioning for every production that I could. This is when I started getting cast as a certain type of role. I have never, in my life, played the female ingénue. I specialize in playing the oddballs and outliers in productions. I was sad that this typecasting meant that I would be cast in fewer productions, but then I watched you as Molly. You showed me that diving into a character and reflecting humanity is why we do this. You inspired me to be strong, trust my characters, trust myself as an actor, and to wait for those roles that spoke to me.

Ms. Carrie Fisher: Though you will be remembered for your role as a princess in a galaxy far far away, I will remember you for teaching me about truth through darkness. You were one of the most outspoken advocates for the destigmatization of mental illness. You became one of my favorite actresses because of your role as Princess/General Leia, you continued to inspire me because of you incredibly open you were about your battle with manic depression. You taught me that it was okay to be “not okay.” You showed me that I don’t have to feel like a freak just because my brain doesn’t always work the way I want it to.

Though you inspired me as a performers and women individually, I am the most in awe of the love that you had for each other. I have a unique and special relationship with my mother, and if I have a daughter, I hope that I have a similar relationship with her. Along with Carrie’s daughter Billie Lourd, you represent 3 generations of incredible performers. Three talented women who shaped my life as an actor.

I know that you both are now at peace, and you are together. Thank you for the legacy that you left behind and thank you for the joy that you brought us through our screens.

Thank you, and rest in peace.