Carrie Fisher, a child of Hollywood royalty, was born into a world of fame and turmoil. Her father, Eddie Fisher, notoriously left her mother, Debbie Reynolds, for his best friend, Elizabeth Taylor—a scandal that cast a long shadow over Fisher’s early life. As she grew older, Fisher became no stranger to controversy herself, though she was best known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in Star Wars (1977), a film that would go on to become one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. With her signature cinnamon-roll hairstyle and flowing white robes, Carrie Fisher brought Leia to life in a way that resonated deeply with fans, many of whom returned for the sequels The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).
Though she tried to distance herself from the character, Fisher appeared in other notable films such as The Blues Brothers (1980) and When Harry Met Sally (1989), proving her versatility as an actress. Still, the shadow of Leia loomed large. Behind the scenes, Carrie Fisher battled personal demons, including drug and alcohol addiction, as well as bipolar disorder—struggles she first revealed in her semi-autobiographical novel Postcards from the Edge (1987). The novel was later adapted into a film starring Meryl Streep in 1990, further cementing Fisher’s literary talents.
Her romantic life was equally turbulent, featuring a fleeting romance with Dan Aykroyd and a long-term relationship with singer Paul Simon, whom she married in 1983. By 2006, Carrie Fisher had turned her pain and experiences into humor with her one-woman show Wishful Drinking, where she self-deprecatingly addressed her past. While she continued to act, Fisher found growing respect as a writer and script doctor, earning praise for her sharp wit and insightful storytelling.
Over time, she embraced the Leia character she once tried to escape, returning to the role with pride and strength in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), portraying a more mature and resilient version of the beloved princess. Carrie Fisher passed away on December 27, 2016, after suffering a severe heart attack during a flight to Los Angeles days earlier. Her death was met with an outpouring of grief from friends, fans, and colleagues around the world, marking the end of a life that was as complex and compelling as the characters she brought to life.
When it comes to Carrie Fisher’s most acclaimed work, many fans and critics agree that Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds (2016) stands out as her highest rated film. It’s no surprise, really—Carrie Fisher brought such depth and authenticity to the documentary, sharing a deeply personal journey alongside her mother, Debbie Reynolds. The emotional resonance and candid storytelling made it a standout in Carrie Fisher’s career. On the other end of the spectrum, Under the Rainbow (1981) tends to be viewed as one of her lower rated projects. While it had an interesting premise, the final product didn’t quite hit the mark for most audiences or reviewers. Still, even in her less successful roles, Carrie Fisher’s presence was always memorable. Overall, when looking at Carrie Fisher’s body of work, it’s clear that her legacy shines brightest in projects where her real-life charisma and honesty could truly come through, like in Bright Lights.