Rest In Peace Carrie Fisher | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Rest In Peace Carrie Fisher

She was more than just an actress.

32
Rest In Peace Carrie Fisher

As if 2016 couldn't be more cruel, Carrie Fisher has joined the long list of celebrities that have now passed away during this terrible year. Known for her kindness and wit, Carrie Fisher rose to fame after portraying Leia Organa in the "Star Wars" films. But Carrie Fisher was more than just an actress, she was a role model.

1. She was open about having a mental illness

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Fisher challenged the stigma of sharing mental health problems publicly, and openly talked about the realities of mental health conditions. Her honesty earned her the reputation of being a mental health hero and taught others that her mental illness does not define her.

2. She did not shy from explaining it to young children

At the 2015 Indiana Comic Con, a young boy asked Fisher what "bipolar" means. Instead of shying away from the question, Fisher gave an honest and insightful answer.

3. She spoke out about her past drug addiction

Just like she was an advocate for mental health, Carrie Fisher never sugarcoated her struggle with addiction and spoke openly and honestly about her battle. She did not act ashamed or hide that part of her life, and instead used her story to try and help others.

4. She combated sexism

When "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" was released, some parents called for a ban on all Leia merchandise due to the fact that in "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" Fisher's character wore a revealing outfit. To which Carrie Fisher replied, "I think that’s stupid ... The father who flipped out about it, 'What am I going to tell my kid about why she’s in that outfit?' Tell them that a giant slug captured me and forced me to wear that stupid outfit, and then I killed him because I didn’t like it. And then I took it off. Backstage."

5. And ageism

Fisher was very outspoken about the link between older male actors and young female costars. She said, "I’m a female working in show business, where, if you’re famous, you have a career until you’re 45, maybe. Maybe. And that’s about 15 people.”

6. And body shaming

After "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" was released, viewers praised Fisher's costars Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford for aging well, but complained that Fisher did not look good for her age. To which Fisher replied, "Men don’t age better than women, they’re just allowed to age." After all, earnings for female actresses peak at 34 years old and then start to decrease, while earnings for male actors rise until age 51. So maybe people just weren't used to seeing a 59-year-old woman on screen.

7. Her most well-known character is a role model to women everywhere

A strong female character played by an equally strong actress.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

126450
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

28294
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

26365
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments