Actress/writer Carrie Fisher passed away this morning of complications from a heart attack she suffered on a flight from London to Los Angeles on Friday. Fisher had been reported in stable condition on Christmas Day, but this Christmas miracle would not last. She was 60.
Fisher is, of course, best known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise - role she returned to last year in Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens where she was elevated to General Leia. She had completed filming for Star Wars Episode VIII which is to be released in December 2017 almost exactly a year removed from her death. Its release at this time next year will be undoubtedly bittersweet.
When acting success outside of Star Wars alluded her and marriage to singer-songwriter Paul Simon ended in divorce, she found a new career as a writer in 1987 (a full decade after the release of Star Wars) with the semi-autobiographical Postcards From The Edge which was adapted into a movie starring Meryl Streep several years later. One of her books Wishful Drinking was adapted from her one woman Broadway show of the same name. Last month, Fisher released her latest book The Princess Diarist, an account of her time making the original Star Wars film in which she revealed a romantic liaison with co-star Harrison Ford.
Over the years, Fisher struggled with alcohol and drug abuse and bipolar disorder. While these sparked her creativity those flames ultimately caught up with her.
One must particularly feel for her actress mother Debbie Reynolds. Whatever their differences, the loss of a child, regardless of their age, is an impossible burden to bear.
Whether in her portrayal of Leia or in her writing, Carrie Fisher came across with beauty balanced in equal measure by grit and wit. These qualities resonated with the public and will continue as she shines brighter among the stars.
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