October is full of many famous birthdays from Kim Kardashian, to Tom Petty, Snoop Dogg, Bill Gates, and even Judge Judy. However, one takes the cake for UWM Post’s Famous Birthday of the Month. Some know her as Princess Leia from Star Wars, but for the rest of us, her name is Carrie Fisher.
Carrie Fisher was born on October 21, 1956 to two well-known celebrities, Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. Her mother, Debbie Reynolds, was Kathy in Singin’ in the Rain. Her father Eddie Fisher was a popular singer in the 1950’s, who married actress Elizabeth Taylor, later in life.
Similar to her mother, Fisher steered along the acting path by landing a major role in the Star Wars franchise as Princess Leia at the age of 19. She starred alongside of Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford in the original three movies: Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977), Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983). She later reprised the role of Leia in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015).
However, with fame comes unfortunate. Fisher was one of the many countless celebrities to enter rehab for drug problems. She was an addict to cocaine and prescription drugs, even overdosing at one point in her battle. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 29. She has recently become open about her mental health and past drug problems.
After the Star Wars success, Fisher branched out into the role of a writer. She has written multiple books, one of which is called Postcards from the Edge, which was later tuned into a movie starring Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine. A memoir of Fisher’s life is captured in her book Wishful Drinking. She has also become a Hollywood script doctor, where she rewrites the scripts of movies and television shows.
In 1983, Fisher married musician Paul Simmons, whom is part of Simon & Garfunkel. They ended up divorcing in 1984. She never legally married again but was in a relationship with talent agent Bryan Lourd. Together they had a daughter, Billie Lourd, on July 17, 1992. The relationship ended when Bryan Lourd told Fisher that he was gay.
The Hollywood icon that has reached many generations of people with her open attitude is a role model to many. As October 21 comes rolling around she will be 60 years old, but don’t think that she will be stopping anytime soon. The role of her life time will still be playing out until the end of her days as she continues to inspire many more people. Fisher’s influence is captured in films and writing, and even after she passes, it will continue to live on.