Carrie Frances Fisher, born October 21, 1956, was more famously known for playing Princess Leia in the blockbuster film, “Star Wars.” The prolific actress started her career on Broadway. She then went on to feature in a string of films including “Shampoo,” after which she got her break-out role in “Star Wars.” From then on, Fisher made a name for herself within the industry, with HBO later releasing a documentary based on one of her performances. The actress was also known for her activism, where she advocated for numerous causes including animal rights. Fisher passed away at age 60, from cardiac arrest. She leaves behind a legacy. We’ll help you celebrate her special day right here.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Carrie Frances Fisher
Birth date:
October 21, 1956
Death date:
December 27, 2016
Age:
60 years, 2 months
Zodiac Sign:
Libra
Height:
5' 1"
Net Worth:
$25.0 million
Background
Carrie Fisher undeniably left her mark on the film industry. Born October 21, 1956, in Burbank, California, the American beauty’s parents are singer Eddie Fisher and actress Debbie Reynolds. Fisher was of Russian, Scottish, Irish and Jewish descent. While the actress had a star-studded life onscreen, it wasn’t always roses and butterflies in her personal life. Fisher’s parents divorced when she was two years old, after which her mother went on to remarry and divorce when Fisher was 17 years old. The young girl was dubbed the bookworm of the family as she found solace in her volumes as a child. Fisher dropped out of Beverly Hills High School at 16 to pursue a career on Broadway.She picked up her education later on when she enrolled in London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, and then, at Sarah Lawrence College. She didn’t finish her studies, however. Her first film role was as Lorna Karpf in the film, “Shampoo” (1975), but it was her 1977 role portraying Princess Leia in “Star Wars” that put her on the map. From then on she went on to feature in a laundry list of films, including “Ringo” (1978), “Leave Yesterday Behind,” (1978), and “Drop Dead Fred” (1991), among others. Fisher continued acting on Broadway while doing onscreen work. In between acting on screen and on Broadway, Fisher authored and published her first novel “Postcards from the Edge.” She then adapted the semi-autobiographical book to screen in 1990, with Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine, and Dennis Quaid playing the lead.Fisher continued to feature and make cameos in several well-known films, including “Scream 3” (2000) and “Entourage” (2010). She’s been linked to a number of celebrities, including Harrison Ford, Paul Simon, and Dan Aykroyd. Fisher did end up, however, marrying Paul Simon from 1983 to 1984. She then dated and had a daughter, Billie, with Creative Artists Agency executive Bryan Lourd. Fisher was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which she was open about and occasionally discussed on talk shows. She also struggled with drug abuse, which she spoke about in her memoir, “Wishful Drinking” (2008). Fisher passed away in December 2016, at the age of 60, at UCLA Medical Center, having suffered a cardiac arrest.
Career timeline
Fisher plays Princess Leia in the sci-fi film, “Star Wars.”
It’s a semi-autobiography, entitled “Postcards from the Edge,” which is later adapted to the big screen with a star-studded cast including Meryl Streep and Dennis Quaid in 1990.
Fisher is nominated for a Bafta Award in the category of Best Adapted Screenplay, for “Postcards from the Edge.”
“Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds” debuts at the Cannes Film Festival.
Fisher wins a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album.
Fisher lands her first film role in the movie “Shampoo.”
Carrie Fisher FAQs
Did Carrie Fisher die during filming?
Fisher actually died just before the last “Star Wars” film — which she was meant to feature in — began shooting.
Does Carrie Fisher have a daughter?
Yes, her name is Billie Lourd.
Who is the father of Carrie Fisher’s baby?
The father of her child is Bryan Lourd.
5 Surprising Facts
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She never liked her Princess Leia buns
It took two hours to put in place and she didn’t particularly like the hairdo.
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She had an emotional support animal
Her dog, named Gary, came along with her whenever she went for interviews.
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She helped with film scripts
Fisher contributed to several scripts including Peter Pan’s “Hook.”
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Dan Aykroyd saved her life once
She almost choked on a brussels sprout and Aykroyd gave her the Heimlich.
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She had an affair with Harrison Ford
Fisher had a three-month affair with the actor.
Why We Love Carrie Fisher
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She was an advocate for animal rights
We admire that Fisher stood up for her convictions and she was particularly passionate about animal rights. She also advocated for women’s rights, among other causes.
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She served at the International Bipolar Foundation
Fisher was outspoken about her bipolar condition. She not only raised awareness for it but also contributed to several AIDs and HIV organizations at the time.
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She’s Princess Leia
That’s reason enough. Her role in this world-acclaimed sci-fi film saw her receive four Saturn Award nominations.
Carrie Fisher’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 21 | Friday |
| 2023 | October 21 | Saturday |
| 2024 | October 21 | Monday |
| 2025 | October 21 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | October 21 | Wednesday |
