Though you may not have known her name before reading this, anyone who has seen "Star Wars" knows Carrie Fisher best as playing Princess Leia Organa. "A New Hope" was the film that launched Fisher’s career, and along with Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford, Fisher returned for "The Force Awakens" in 2015.
Like any franchise star, Carrie Fisher is famous for being Carrie Fisher. But long before that she was famous for being the daughter of 1950s icons Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. Her mother is most recognizable to modern audiences as one of the stars of "Singin’ In The Rain," while her father’s singing career has been usurped by his status as being one of Elizabeth Taylor’s husbands.
(For those who don't know, Reynolds is actually the woman in the back.)
Carrie Fisher spent her childhood in Los Angeles, and when she was only 19, she landed her first film role in the 1975 film "Shampoo." But her role in that film would be quickly forgotten after the 1977 release of "Star Wars" (later to be titled "Star Wars: A New Hope").
Fisher spent the rest of the '70s and into the early '80s acting in the rest of the films that make up the original "Star Wars" trilogy and a handful of TV movies.
As her career began to soar, so did her drug use. Fisher isn’t afraid to mention that during the filming of "Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" she was frequently abusing alcohol and drugs. Her drug abuse and subsequent recovery from addiction led to her memoir, "Wishful Drinking."
But none of this is why I adore Carrie Fisher. To quote a Huffington Post headline, “Princess Leia Is An O.G. Mental Health Hero.”
Quote: "I am mentally ill. I can say that. I am not ashamed of that. I survived that, I’m still surviving it, but bring it on."
Fisher was first told she might have bipolar disorder in her early 20s, but it took her until age 29 to fully accept the diagnosis. Ever since then, Fisher is an open book about her mental health. Fisher has even been called the “poster child for bipolar,” a moniker she has embraced with dignity but also humor.
Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a mood disorder characterized by severe mood swings. These highs (mania) and lows (depression) manifest themselves differently from person to person. Fisher says that her symptoms tend towards the manic side.
Dealing with bipolar and addiction in the public eye has caused Fisher to live the greatest “no f**ks given” lifestyle I have ever seen. In addition to publicly talking about her mental illness and fighting against stigma, Fisher is unabashedly true to herself.
Armed with cutting sarcasm and a good sense of humor, Fisher was unleashed upon the media for the promotion of the newest "Star Wars" film, "The Force Awakens." Fisher was on every talk show, from "Good Morning America" to "Extra" with Mario Lopez, and every magazine and online blog in between. Fisher “thinks in [her] mouth,” and nowhere has this been more apparent than during this press tour.
Actresses often get asked the worst questions on press tours. “How did you get in shape for this role?” “What was wearing that costume like?” “Wow, I love what you’re wearing today. Where did you get it?”
On "Live with Kelly and Michael," Fisher was asked what she wore under her costume in the original "Star Wars" movie. Her instant response, “I wore a kilt.” Fisher was also frequently asked about why she came back to make another "Star Wars" movie. To both "GMA" and Time she said, “I’m a female and in Hollywood it’s difficult to get work after 30.” One of the pièces de résistance was during a December press conference hosted by Mindy Kaling, where Fisher steamrolls over Kaling’s attempts at humor.
Kaling: Aren’t you rich? Why did you want to do these movies?
Fisher: Do you want to borrow money?
But who really stole the show is Gary, Fisher’s therapy dog, who has over 10,000 followers on Instagram.
Gary has been everywhere. He was on set with Fisher, at almost every interview, and more recently the two attended the Cannes Film Festival together.
Carrie Fisher is a feminist goddess and an inspiration to us all. She is already slated to return for "Star Wars Episode VIII," so another fantastic press tour is around the corner.
