Remembering Carrie Fisher: A Tribute to an Iconic Star

A touching tribute to Carrie Fisher by her daughter, Billie Lourd, on the anniversary of Fisher's death, and a reflection on Fisher's legacy in the film industry.

Editor: Denni Created date: 29/12/2023 Updated date: 29/12/2023

Billie Lourd's Heartfelt Tribute

Billie Lourd offers a touching tribute to her late mother Carrie Fisher on the anniversary of her death. Best known for her work in Star Wars, Fisher tragically passed away on December 27, 2016 at the age of 60 after a sudden cardiac arrest. Her death was followed by the death of her mother, Debbie Reynolds, the following day, on December 28. The two actors are survived by Lourd, who is an performer herself and best known for her roles in projects such as Booksmart, American Horror Story, and Ticket to Paradise.

Carrie Fisher as Leia and Harrison Ford as Han Solo embracing in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Seven years after Fisher's death, Lourd shares a caring tribute to her late mother via Instagram. Lourd shared that “Every anniversary brings a different iteration of [her] grief” in an extended note alongside the post. Additionally, she shared a sweet photo of her and Fisher on a beach during her childhood.

carrie fisher as rosemary howard in 30 rock

Lourd went on to describe how her grief over Fisher has changed her life, writing that it “makes her soak up every moment of joy” in her life. Holding her own son, the actor reflects on how Fisher “makes [her] life sparkle.” Throughout the post, she wrote about the term “griefull,” which she took to mean being full of grief while still holding gratitude for her life and its purpose.

Carrie Fisher in Wonderwell

Instagram article posted by praisethelourd

Carrie Fisher’s Impact in the Film Industry

Fisher began her career in the 1970s, most prominently by playing Princess Leia Organa in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Over the years, Leia became synonymous with Fisher, her most defining role. There was much excitement when she returned to the franchise as an adult to play Leia in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens in 2015. Her last time acting in a Star Wars film prior to her death was in Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi.

Carrie Fisher hands an apple to a young girl in Wonderwell

Fisher was so iconic as Leia that she was posthumously added to Star Wars: Episode VIX – The Rise of Skywalker. This was accomplished through the use of unreleased footage from The Last Jedi combined with high-tech CGI. The choice to include Fisher in The Rise of Skywalker through digital means was highly controversial at the time, as some found her over-perfected look to be unnerving.

Star Wars Princess Leia Carrie Fisher

Still, even beyond her work as Princess Leia, Fisher has left an indelible impact on casual filmgoers and cinephiles alike, charming audiences with her wry humor and blunt honesty. She also had memorable performances in movies such as When Harry Met Sally and The 'Burbs. Fisher’s last on-screen appearance is in a fantasy film called Wonderwell, which was shot prior to her death but wasn't released until 2023. Fisher is missed by Lourd and the rest of her surviving family, and she is also fondly remembered by the fans she’s accumulated over the course of decades.