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In our ongoing series, #WomenThatDid, ENTITY profiles inspirational and famous women in history whose impact on our world can still be felt today. If you have a suggestion for a historical powerhouse you would like to see featured, tweet us with the hashtag #WomenThatDid.
The world has lost “Star Wars” sweetheart Carrie Fisher. Fisher, an iconic actress in the films, has died after suffering a heart attack on Friday, Dec. 23. She was only 60.
While initially reports said Fisher was in a stable condition, on Tuesday family spokesperson Simon Halls released a statement on behalf of Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, to People.
“It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning,” the statement says.
“She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly,” says Lourd. “Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”
From “Star Wars” actress to novelist, here is why Fisher was one of ENTITY’s #WomenThatDo.
Name: Carrie Fisher
Lifetime: October 21, 1956 – December 27, 2016
What She’s Known For: Fisher was “an actor, author and mental health advocate,” according to her website. As the daughter of famous performers Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, she was raised in Beverly Hills by Hollywood royalty. She first appeared on screen back in 1975 in the film “Shampoo” at the age of 17.
A mere two years later, Fisher scored her breakout role of Princess Leia Organa in “Star Wars.” The film, now titled “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” was the first of the franchise. Fisher played the iconic character in the following two classic films, “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.”
With the release of “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awaken,” her character, now crowned General Leia Organa, made a comeback. Before her death, she was expected grace the screen yet again in the upcoming Episode VIII to be released in 2017.
Though she was known by most from her “Star Wars” legacy, Fisher starred in numerous movies and television shows. Some of her other works include roles in drama-comedies including Rob Reiner’s “When Harry Met Sally …” and Woody Allen’s “Hannah and Her Sisters.” Fisher received numerous honors for her work, including the 2015 Women of Vision Award.
Why We Love Her: Her resume wasn’t confined to roles in films and television. Fisher explored other mediums, including theater, and also dipped her pen into the worlds of playwriting and screenwriting. She wrote and performed a one-woman play, “Wishful Drinking,” which inspired an HBO documentary of the same name. The actress also used her writing skills to contribute to scripts and lend a hand to screenwriters.
She was an author of four books ranging from novels to non-fiction. Fisher’s first book, “Postcards From The Edge,” was a bestseller which won her the Los Angeles Pen Award for Best First Novel and earned a film adaption starring herself and Meryl Streep. Her 2016 autobiography “The Princess Diarist” was inspired by old journal entries she penned during her “Star Wars” career.
In addition, Fisher used her fame to speak out about mental health. She shared her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and consequent drug abuse, revealing it to the media without letting any labels or stigma weigh her down. “I outlasted my problems,” Fisher told ABC. “I am mentally ill. I can say that. I am not ashamed of that. I survived that, I’m still surviving it, but bring it on. Better me than you.”
Fun Fact: One of Fisher’s lesser known gigs? Her role in the animated comedy series, “Family Guy.” The “Star Wars” princess voices Peter Griffin’s boss, Angela.
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