I really thought she was going to make it when Carrie was moved to stable condition, but hey, 2016 didn’t think it was craptacular enough.
Like most people my age in Gen X, I first encountered Carrie as Princess Leia in Star Wars. Being eight going on nine, she was OK yet girls were still icky at that age; any person who claims otherwise is a big fat liar or was fed lines by an older brother. Her action figure was mandatory though. You can’t have a decent space opera without a princess or queen! I often had her in a role of political leadership with the crew of my numerous starships/fleets. However, interest in Carrie didn’t fly with mom when I asked if I could see The Blues Brothers movie. Should’ve known better, Mark Hamill being in Corvette Summer didn’t trick the parents into seeing an R-rated movie earlier.
Carrie definitely shone in Empire with her forceful personality. As for Jedi, she was under utilized. And yes, I have the thing for the metal bikini. When I first saw Jedi though, I didn’t think much of it, there were other girls and pop stars on my mind in 1983.
Lastly, it was awesome to see her in Awakens as a badass general in the Resistance. You can’t have a sequel telling the story of this galaxy a generation later without Leia, Han, Chewbacca and Luke. I wanted Lando but I can’t have everything. All the stories regarding her weight were rather pointless. Who gives a crap! She was almost 60 and endured a rough lifestyle in the Eighties, I’d cut her some serious slack. I know I won’t be Mr. Atlas then.
Outside Star Wars, I was often amused to see her in bit parts, doing voices in cartoons (I think she’s Peter’s boss on Family Guy) and writing books. Rumor has it she tried to punch up The Phantom Menace. Somehow I don’t think George took her advice and proceeded with a turd of a movie.
Thanks for everything Carrie. Your greatest contribution of Princess/Senator/General Leia Organa will live on to inspire millions and not just with girls.