Missing Her: Carrie Fisher, The Force for Mental Health — Part I
Continuing with my Star Wars character series today we mark the anniversary of Carrie Fisher’s passing in 2016 by sharing aspects of her life and challenges with mental illness. Part I will be dedicated to her life as Princess Leia followed by Part II which shines a light on her challenges with mental health and how she became a beacon for advocacy.
Carrie Fisher was a remarkable actor, author, and script doctor who left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Her portrayal of Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars saga made her an iconic figure, and her wit, intelligence, and candidness made her a beloved public figure.
In researching content for this article, it was clear that Carrie enjoyed the dual natures of her personality: the ‘Rebel’ and the ‘Joker’. Looking at photos of Carrie Fisher on the set of the Star Wars movies, it is undeniable that she embodied both the spirits. Here’s why:
The Rebel:
Fiercely independent: Fisher wasn’t afraid to question authority and speak her mind, both on and off-screen. She refused to be confined by expectations and carved her own path, much like Princess Leia leading the rebellion against the Empire.
Courageous and determined: Despite facing personal challenges and criticisms, Fisher persevered and continued to be an advocate for mental health and other causes she believed in. This unwavering resilience mirrored Leia’s leadership even in the face of daunting odds.
Unconventional and unexpected: Like the iconic hairstyle that defied traditional feminine beauty standards, Fisher’s humour and personality often surprised and challenged expectations, like Leia’s unorthodox methods and strategic brilliance.
The Joker:
Witty and playful: Fisher was known for her quick wit and playful banter, making her a constant source of laughter and mischief on set. This charisma and light-heartedness paralleled the mischievous spirit of Han Solo, her foil in the films.
Irreverent and spontaneous: Never one to take things too seriously, Fisher’s sense of humour shone through even in tense situations, adding a touch of levity and reminding everyone to not forget to have fun, much like the playful interactions between Leia and Luke.
Unafraid of self-deprecation: Fisher’s willingness to laugh at herself and embrace her imperfections further endeared her to audiences and castmates, just like how Leia’s relatable vulnerabilities added depth to her character.
So, yes, Carrie Fisher truly embodied both the rebellious spirit of a fighter and the playful charm of a jokester. She brought that unique blend to the Star Wars universe, making Princess Leia a complex and unforgettable character, and leaving a legacy as an actor who dared to be both brave and funny, both a leader and a jester.
The images captured perfectly in photos from the set, where she could go from delivering powerful lines as Leia to cracking jokes with her co-stars in the blink of an eye. This duality is what made her such a captivating presence, both on screen and off, and it is a testament to her true talent and authenticity.
Carrie and Mark
Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill shared a remarkable friendship that truly blossomed throughout their decades together as iconic co-stars in the Star Wars saga. They went from playing siblings on screen to becoming almost inseparable off-screen, developing a bond that was both playful and supportive.
Being thrust into the global spotlight together while portraying Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia in Star Wars forged a unique and unbreakable bond. They experienced the whirlwind of fame, intense filming schedules, and the weight of fan expectations side-by-side, creating a shared understanding and empathy that strengthened their connection.
Both admired each other’s talent and work ethic. Fisher appreciated Hamill’s dedication and earnestness, while Hamill loved Fisher’s wit and intelligence. They were each other’s cheerleaders, celebrating each other’s successes and providing unwavering support during difficult times.
Their on-screen banter translated into a playful dynamic off-screen. They were known for their mischievous pranks, witty humour, and infectious laughter. This shared sense of fun and joy kept their friendship vibrant and energized throughout the years.
Fisher and Hamill openly shared their struggles and triumphs with each other. They were not afraid to be vulnerable and relied on each other for guidance and support, especially during Fisher’s battles with mental health. This honesty fostered a deep level of trust and intimacy.
Their friendship was not just about Star Wars. They genuinely enjoyed each other’s company, sharing experiences like attending events, traveling together, and simply spending quality time as friends. This mutual love and respect transcended the boundaries of their roles in the franchise.
While other co-stars in the Star Wars universe forged strong bonds, the connection between Fisher and Hamill seemed truly special. It was a friendship built on shared experiences, mutual respect, unwavering support, and genuine laughter. The photos you see are a testament to this beautiful and irreplaceable bond that will continue to inspire fans for generations to come.
Fisher was close friends with Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill, her co-stars in the “Star Wars” films. The three actors remained friends throughout their lives, and they often joked about how they were “the luckiest people in the world” to have been part of such an iconic franchise.
On Set
Carrie Fisher had a reputation for being outspoken and opinionated, and she was not afraid to clash with her co-stars and crew members. According to interviews and biographies, she had tense relationships with several key individuals during the filming of the original Star Wars trilogy.
Peter Cushing (Grand Moff Tarkin) a veteran actor from the British film industry, reportedly found Fisher’s youthful exuberance and improvisational approach to acting quite jarring. He also disapproved of her off-screen behaviour, which included smoking and heavy partying. Fisher, in turn, found Cushing to be overly serious and conservative.
David Prowse (Darth Vader) who played the physical role of Darth Vader, was not happy with the limited dialogue and expression he was allowed to convey while in the Vader suit. He also felt that Fisher, as the more charismatic and expressive actor, was receiving more attention and accolades. Fisher, on the other hand, found Prowse to be aloof and impersonal, and she was once known to jokingly refer to him as “Darth Farmer.”
Irvin Kershner (Director of The Empire Strikes Back) clashed over creative differences, particularly regarding Leia’s character arc and the tone of the film. Fisher felt that Kershner was trying to soften Leia’s tough and independent personality, while Kershner believed that Fisher was undermining his direction.
George Lucas (Creator of Star Wars) had a complex relationship with Fisher, whom she both admired and resented. She respected his vision for the Star Wars universe but also felt that he underestimated her acting abilities and gave her less screen time than her male co-stars. In her memoir, “Wishful Drinking,” Fisher wrote candidly about her struggles with Lucas and her frustration with his management of the Star Wars franchise.
In summary, the information about Carrie Fisher’s strained relationships with her co-stars and crew members comes from a combination of her own personal accounts, interviews with those involved, and other biographies and documentation. These sources provide a multifaceted and textured understanding of the dynamics behind the scenes of the original Star Wars trilogy.
(Next is simply one of the funniest ‘roasts’ you will ever see from Carrie Fisher to George Lucas)
Fun Facts
Here are some rare and fascinating facts about Carrie Fisher and the Star Wars universe:
Fisher improvised many of Leia’s lines. The original script for “Star Wars” had Leia as a more passive character, but Fisher brought her own assertiveness and spirit to the role. Many of Leia’s most memorable lines, such as her “I’m not afraid of you” speech to Darth Vader, were ad-libs by Fisher.
Fisher was not a trained dancer, but she learned to do a complex dance routine for a scene in “Return of the Jedi.” The scene in which Leia dances with Jabba the Hutt was originally supposed to be a simple twirl, but director Richard Marquand wanted something more elaborate. Fisher, who had no formal dance training, spent weeks practicing the routine and ultimately pulled it off flawlessly.
Fisher’s script doctoring skills helped to improve the scripts for many popular films. After her success with “Star Wars,” Fisher became a sought-after script doctor, working on films such as “Hook,” “Sister Act,” and “The Wedding Singer.” She was known for her ability to tighten scripts, add humour, and make characters more authentic.
Fisher wrote two novels about Princess Leia, “The Princess Diarist” and “Aftermath: Empire’s End.” “The Princess Diarist” was a memoir that Fisher wrote in her early twenties, while “Aftermath: Empire’s End” was a sequel to the original “Star Wars” trilogy. Both novels were well-received by critics and fans.
In addition to these fascinating facts, here are some additional titbits about Carrie Fisher and Star Wars:
Fisher’s iconic hairstyle, known as the “cinnamon bun,” was inspired by a similar hairstyle worn by Brigitte Bardot.
Fisher’s character, Princess Leia, was originally supposed to be a man. George Lucas changed the character to a woman after meeting Fisher.
Fisher was the only original cast member of the “Star Wars” trilogy to appear in all three sequel films.
Celebrating Her Legacy
Carrie Fisher received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 4, 2023, in recognition of her contributions to the film industry. The star is located at 6840 Hollywood Boulevard, near the historic El Capitan Theatre.
The star was unveiled by Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, who gave a moving speech about her mother’s legacy. “My mother was a force of nature,” Lourd said. “She was funny, she was brilliant, she was fearless, and she was a rebel. She was my hero.”
The star was a fitting tribute to Fisher, who was one of the most beloved actors of her generation. She is best known for her role as Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars saga, but she also had a successful career as a screenwriter, author, and mental health advocate.
Fisher’s star is a reminder of her talent, her courage, and her impact on the world. It is a place where fans can come to pay their respects to a true icon.
Some people felt that Carrie Fisher’s openness about her personal life was inappropriate and that she was setting a bad example for her fans. Others felt that she was being brave and honest about her struggles, and that her openness could help others who were also struggling.
Ultimately, Carrie Fisher’s interviews were both praised and criticized. She was a complex and controversial figure, but she was also a talented actor and writer who was loved by many people. There are so many amazing, recorded interviews of Fisher but one of the most controversial was the interview between Carrie Fisher and Craig Ferguson.
Carrie Fisher was open and honest about her struggles with addiction and mental health. She discussed her experiences with drug use, depression, and bipolar disorder in a way that was both humorous and poignant. This honesty made her relatable to many people who were also struggling with similar issues. However, it also made her a target for criticism from some people who felt that she was being too open about her personal life.
Despite the conflicts, and turmoil Fisher’s talent and charisma shone through, and she became an iconic figure in the Star Wars saga.
The story continues so stay tuned for Part II…..
