A Heartfelt Look at Carrie Fisher’s Life Through Photos
Carrie Fisher in July 1974.
Credit: Kent Gavin/Mirrorpix/Getty
Carrie Fisher, beloved actress and author, continues to be remembered by fans nearly seven years after her passing on December 27, 2016. Fisher, who rose to fame as Princess Leia in the iconic Star Wars franchise, was not only an accomplished actress but also a prolific author and script doctor.
Born to renowned actors Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, Fisher’s life unfolded under public scrutiny from an early age. Throughout her career, she maintained her devotion to her family, particularly her mother and her daughter, Billie Lourd.
As the entertainment world marks the ninth anniversary of Fisher’s untimely death at the age of 60, her legacy is celebrated through a collection of memorable images that encapsulate her life and career.
Carrie Fisher’s Early Life
Todd Fisher, Eddie Fisher, and Carrie Fisher.
Getty Images
Carrie Fisher’s journey began in 1958, with her father, Eddie Fisher, holding her alongside her younger brother Todd.
Carrie Fisher and Mom Debbie Reynolds
Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher.
Getty Images
At just two years old, Fisher was seen playing with her mother, Debbie Reynolds, during an interview.
Carrie Fisher with Her Family
Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, and Todd Fisher.
Tim Boxer/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Fisher, a teenager, enjoyed a night out with her family in New York City in 1973. The media frenzy surrounding her father’s departure from their mother for Elizabeth Taylor highlighted the intensity of their public life.
Carrie Fisher in ‘Shampoo’
Carrie Fisher in Shampoo.
Courtesy Everett Collection
Fisher made her film debut in 1975’s Shampoo, where she delivered a memorable performance.
Carrie Fisher in 1977
Carrie Fisher.
Getty Images
In 1977, Fisher was captured striking a pose that foreshadowed her surge to fame.
Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.
Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
Fisher and her Star Wars co-star Harrison Ford shared light-hearted moments while promoting their films, with Fisher later disclosing a brief romantic involvement during filming.
Carrie Fisher and Paul Simon
Carrie Fisher and Paul Simon.
The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Fisher’s marriage to musician Paul Simon ended in divorce in 1984, though they maintained an on-and-off relationship for years.
Carrie Fisher in Star Wars
Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.
Lucasfilm/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images
Fisher showcased her iconic role as Leia in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.
Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.
Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images
In Return of the Jedi, she famously donned Leia’s iconic gold bikini.
Carrie Fisher in When Harry Met Sally
Bruno Kirby and Carrie Fisher in When Harry Met Sally.
Courtesy Everett Collection
In When Harry Met Sally (1989), Fisher delivered yet another unforgettable performance.
Carrie Fisher in Wishful Drinking
Carrie Fisher.
Gary Friedman/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Fisher promoted her one-woman show, Wishful Drinking, in Los Angeles in 2006.
Carrie Fisher on 30 Rock
Carrie Fisher in 30 Rock.
Anne Joyce/NBCU Photo Bank
Fisher made a cameo in 30 Rock (2007), portraying an alcoholic former TV writer.
Carrie Fisher and Daughter Billie Lourd
Carrie Fisher and Billie Lourd in 2015.
Barry King/WireImage
Fisher attended the premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in December 2015 with her daughter, Billie Lourd.
Carrie Fisher and Gary Fisher
Carrie Fisher and Gary Fisher.
Mike Marsland/WireImage
Fisher brought her beloved dog, Gary, to the European premiere of The Force Awakens.
Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford Reunite
Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
In Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Fischer and Ford reunited in a poignant moment on screen.
Carrie Fisher in London
Carrie Fisher.
MelMedia/GC Images
Fisher’s final public appearance was at London’s Chiltern Firehouse, just days before her sudden death from a heart attack.
On December 27, 2016, the world lost a bright star. One day later, her mother, Debbie Reynolds, also passed away, amplifying the tragedy that struck their family.
Billie Lourd Mourns Her Mother
Carrie Fisher and Billie Lourd.
Todd Williamson/Getty
On October 21, what would have been Carrie Fisher’s 68th birthday, her daughter, Billie Lourd, shared heartfelt reflections on grieving her mother. Lourd expressed the complexity of her feelings surrounding this poignant day, noting both sadness and celebration in her social media tribute.
Lourd remarked, "Some years my grief makes me feel the warmth of her love, some years it makes me angry, some years I feel numb, but today when I woke up I just felt sad. I didn’t want to celebrate; I just wanted my mom."
The toxicology report following Fisher’s death indicated she suffered from sleep apnea, atherosclerotic heart disease, and drug use. In her post, Lourd emphasized her efforts to help her mother battle addiction, underscoring the challenges faced by those in similar situations. She concluded by sending love and support to anyone who has lost someone to addiction.
