Take a look back at Carrie Fisher’s incredible life and career in photos, nearly 50 years after ‘Star Wars’ first hit theaters.
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 50 years since Star Wars: A New Hope introduced the world to Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia. From her breakout role in 1977 to her lasting legacy as an actress, writer, and mental health advocate, Carrie left an unforgettable mark on Hollywood and beyond.
The actress was born Carrie Frances Fisher on October 21, 1956 in Beverly Hills, California, the daughter of singer Eddie Fisher and actress Debbie Reynolds. She began his career in the early 1970s, attending London’s Central School of Speech of Drama before making her film debut in the comedy Shampoo.
In 1977, Carrie had her breakout and career-defining role when she appeared as Princess Leia in Star Wars. Along with the sequels, Carrie also had noted roles in such films as ‘The Blues Brothers’ and the Woody Allen film, ‘Hannah and her Sisters’. In addition to acting, Carrie was a respected writer and script editor. She died in 2016, but her legacy in Hollywood continues.
See photos of her throughout the years below!
1 of 18
Carrie Fisher: Her Young Years
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Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia
May 25, 2022, 10:41AM 2 of 18
Carrie Fisher As A Baby
Kobal/Shutterstock
Oh baby! A young Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher are seen with their baby Carrie Fisher in 1956.
May 25, 2022, 10:41AM 3 of 18
Carrie Fisher In 1960
Kobal/Shutterstock
Happy family! The Fisher family cuddles close in a 1960 photo.
May 25, 2022, 10:41AM 4 of 18
Carrie Fisher At 16
AP/Shutterstock
Carrie Fisher, then 16, poses in New York City. She was glowing!
May 25, 2022, 10:41AM 5 of 18
Carrie Fisher In 1974
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Double trouble! Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher appear on stage together around 1974.
May 25, 2022, 10:41AM
More AboutCarrie Fisher
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Carrie Fisher In ‘Star Wars’
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Rebel, rebel! Carrie Fisher holds up a blaster in a promo photo for 1977’s ‘Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope’.
May 25, 2022, 10:41AM 7 of 18
Carrie Fisher In 1981
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Carrie Fisher offers a smoldering stare in a photo from 1981′ ‘Under The Rainbow’. The ridiculous movie was about an unlikely group who all check into an elite Los Angeles.
May 25, 2022, 10:40AM 8 of 18
‘Return Of The Jedi’
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The look that launched a thousand cosplays! Carrie Fisher dons her notoriously skimpy outfit from 1983’s ‘Star Wars Episode Vi – Return Of The Jedi’.
May 25, 2022, 10:40AM 9 of 18
Carrie Fisher In 1990
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Carrie Fisher poses in Beverly Hills in 1990. She looked sassy with arms folded and a knowing look on her face.
May 25, 2022, 10:40AM 10 of 18
Carrie Fisher In 1997
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Carrie Fisher relaxes in her Beverly Hills home in 1997. She looked at ease.
May 25, 2022, 10:40AM 11 of 18
Carrie Fisher & Daughter Billie Lourd In 2000
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Carrie Fisher and daughter Billie Lourd during the premiere of ‘Snow Day’ in Hollywood on Jan. 29, 2000. Little Billie was so small!
May 25, 2022, 10:40AM 12 of 18
Carrie Fisher In 2004
Peter Brooker/Shutterstock
Carrie Fisher attends the ‘City Lights Gala’ at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on May 20, 2004. She wore a lovely black dress with patterned shoes.
May 25, 2022, 10:40AM 13 of 18
Carrie Fisher In 2006
Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock
Carrie Fisher smiles while arriving for the Comedy Central Roast of William Shatner on Aug. 13, 2006. She was ready to laugh.
May 25, 2022, 10:40AM 14 of 18
Carrie Fisher In 2010
Hbo/Kobal/Shutterstock
Carrie Fisher in 2010’s ‘Wishful Drinking’. It was a documentary based on her one-person stage show about her wild life.
May 25, 2022, 10:40AM 15 of 18
Carrie Fisher In 2012
Hallmark Channel/Entertainment O
Happy holidays! Carrie Fisher appears in 2012’s ‘It’s Christmas Carol’.
May 25, 2022, 10:40AM 16 of 18
Carrie Fisher In 2014
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Carrie Fisher appears on ‘The Paul O’Grady Show’ on May 30, 2014. She wore a brown jacket, maroon pants, and black turtleneck with glasses.
May 25, 2022, 10:40AM 17 of 18
Carrie Fisher & Billie Lourd In 2015
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Carrie Fisher and Billie Lourd team up on the red carpet of the ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ premiere on Dec. 14, 2015. Both were in the film.
May 25, 2022, 10:40AM 18 of 18
Carrie Fisher In 2016
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Carrie Fisher holds up her book ‘Princess Diarist’ at an LA book signing on Nov. 28, 2016. She would pass away a month later.
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