Unfortunately, the end of December proved to be a very trying time for long time fans of "Star Wars" and classics, such as "Singin' in the Rain." Two brilliant lives from the same family were lost on December 27 and December 28 with Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds passing away within hours of each other, respectively.
On December 23, Carrie Fisher, daughter of Debbie Reynolds, went into cardiac arrest while on a flight from London to California and died four days later. Especially known for her portrayal of Princess (General) Leia throughout the "Stars Wars" films, Fisher's death spread rapidly with fans paying tribute to her life with a self-made Hollywood Walk of Fame star and lightsaber memorials.
Following Fisher's death, her mother suffered a stroke, causing her to lose her life just a day after her daughter's. While Todd Fisher, her surviving son, stated that Reynolds didn't die of a broken heart, it was clear that Reynolds' was deeply saddened by the loss of her daughter, which most likely contributed to her passing.
The mother-daughter duo captivated the screen, and our hearts, with riveting portrayals of their iconic characters. Both women took the screen in their famous parts at early ages—Reynolds at 19 and Fisher at 21.
Even though "Singin' in the Rain" is a classic film, today's generation remembers Reynolds as Grandma Agatha "Aggie" Cromwell throughout the "Halloweentown" series of films. Her lively personality and witty nature shined through her portrayal of a spunky witch alongside Kimberly J. Brown. Aside from appearing in films, Reynolds also starred in Broadway shows including "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Irene," the latter which earned her Tony nomination for best actress in a musical.
It is without debate that Fisher's most iconic career marker is that of Princess Leia within the "Star Wars" franchise. Fisher also authored two books, "The Princess Diarist" and "Wishful Drinking," the latter based on her one-woman stage show. She has also received Harvard College's 2016 Annual Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism for her activism regarding mental illness and addiction. In regards to her involvement with the "Star Wars" films, Fisher will posthumously appear in "Star Wars: Episode VIII" and decisions regarding the final film of the new trilogy have yet to be released.
The two women are survived by Billie Lourd (daughter to Fisher and granddaughter to Reynolds) and Todd Fisher (brother to Fisher and son to Reynolds). A private, joint funeral has been set for Fisher and Reynolds with a public memorial being considered.
