Rest In Peace: Carrie Fisher

Rest In Peace: Carrie Fisher

Yesterday, December 27th 2016, it was announced to the world that we lost one of geekdom’s most cherished actors: Carrie Fisher. Her most memorable role was of Princess Leia from the Star Wars films, many geeks fell in love with the princess not due to her good looks, no every woman is beautiful, but it was her independence and driven attitude that caught the heart of so many. In a time where women were still casted as little more than trophies, she inspired young geeks that they can be powerful, capable, and still accomplish their personal goals without abandoning their morals.

Carrie Fisher was so much more than Princess Leia, she was a human being filled with such passion and dedication. Admittedly I hadn’t much of an idea of the life of Carrie Fisher prior to writing this article but after seeing friends come out of the woodworks to speak about the reasons they loved her, I had to dig. What I found surprised me, she had openly spoken about her own issues.

“I have a chemical imbalance that, in its most extreme state, will lead me to a mental hospital,” Fisher said to Diane Sawyer. “I used to think I was a drug addict, pure and simple — just someone who could not stop taking drugs willfully. And I was that. But it turns out that I am severely manic depressive.”

In another quote to ABC News she said:

“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,”

As I said before I had no idea she had gone through so much and gathered the courage to speak openly about everything. Many friends of mine held her as their champion because she was a shining example of combating mental illness head on rather than denying there is an issue or even letting others dismiss very real issue based on their personal beliefs. Going to twitter, so many fans and influencers alike spoke about their love for her and how hard her passing had been for them.

Carrie Fisher dedicated her platform to mental health awareness & female empowerment. She is a reason + reminder to keep up your fight. RIP

— h (@halsey) December 27, 2016

Carrie Fisher spoke openly about her struggles w mental health. To me she was a hero – not only in the stars – but here on Earth as well. ?

— Hannah Hart (@harto) December 27, 2016

GRATEFUL FOR CARRIE FISHER DEMYSTIFYING ADDICTION & MENTAL ILLNESS – THIS is why Carrie Fisher was realest badass https://t.co/ARNI6AKDrf

— Bryan Fuller (@BryanFuller) December 27, 2016

Carrie Fisher, as well as being a screen legend, did as much to end mental health stigma as anyone. Her candid bravery comforted millions.

— Matt Haig (@matthaig1) December 27, 2016

#CarrieFisher was so witty and provocative and unrelentingly interesting. Goddamn, I loved her. Everyone did.

— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) December 27, 2016

We lost an icon, gifted actress and tireless mental health advocate. RIP #CarrieFisher! May the force be with you. pic.twitter.com/TJiex0F7D7

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) December 27, 2016

Very saddened to see another beautiful light leaving us too soon. RIP #CarrieFisher. May you continue to be held in Gods warm embrace. pic.twitter.com/FMV3PRtksP

— Forest Whitaker (@ForestWhitaker) December 27, 2016

Carrie Fisher was also a huge dog lover, especially of her own which was a French Bull Dog by the name of Gary! The pair could be seen at a number of red carpet events and even went to the White House! On Social media he has his own hefty following with hilarious posts.

After the news had broke about her death, Gary posted this heartfelt tweet:

I’ll be waiting right here mommy. #CarrieFisher @carrieffisher #princessleia pic.twitter.com/sfwVBCBvUE

— Carrie Fisher’s Dog (@Gary_TheDog) December 24, 2016

Losing Carrie Fisher was unexpected and such a huge loss for so many. Many, including us, are making tributes to her memory but not all of them are being well received. Cinnabon released a tweet praising Carrie Fisher’s iconic hair buns while also promoting their product in a heartfelt but joking manner. Folks were up in arms about the tweet either defending the company saying that Carrie Fisher would have loved the tweet while others are throwing hate at the company for tasteless advertising. Personally, I think Carrie Fisher would have loved the tweet but it is still understandable why so many would be frustrated.

And the award for “Most Tasteless Brand Reaction To A Celebrity Death” goes to @Cinnabon. #fox5dc pic.twitter.com/XCraFJTZX2

— Jim Lokay #fox5dc (@LokayFOX5) December 27, 2016

We here at The Geek Lyfe wish to give our thanks to everything Carrie Fisher has done for so many people with her life. We hope her family fins some amount of peace in this troubled time and now if you’ll excuse me, I am going to binge as many Carrie Fisher films that I can get my hands on.

Personally, this was my all time favorite Carrie Fisher role!

Feel free to comment below with your all time favorite Carrie Fisher role or scene!