Early Life and Education of Carrie Fisher: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Carrie Fisher. From birth to education, explore key events.
Carrie Fisher was an American actress and writer, most famously known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy (1977-1983) and its subsequent sequels. She reprised the role in later Star Wars films, including a posthumous appearance in The Rise of Skywalker (2019) through unused footage. Beyond Star Wars, she appeared in notable films like The Blues Brothers and When Harry Met Sally.... Fisher also received Emmy nominations for her guest roles in 30 Rock and Catastrophe, highlighting her comedic talents. She was a significant figure in pop culture, remembered for her acting and writing contributions.
October 21, 1956: Carrie Fisher's Birth
On October 21, 1956, Carrie Frances Fisher was born in the United States. She later became known as an actress and writer.
1959: Parents' Divorce
In 1959, Carrie Fisher's parents, Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, divorced after it was revealed that Eddie Fisher had been having an affair with Elizabeth Taylor.
1960: Debbie Reynolds married Harry Karl
In 1960, Carrie Fisher's mother, Debbie Reynolds, married Harry Karl.
1964: Eddie Fisher and Elizabeth Taylor's Divorce
In 1964, Carrie Fisher's father, Eddie Fisher, and Elizabeth Taylor divorced.
1973: Appearance in Irene and Enrollment in Central School of Speech and Drama
In 1973, Carrie Fisher appeared in the Broadway revival Irene and enrolled at London's Central School of Speech and Drama.
1973: Debbie Reynolds and Harry Karl divorced
In 1973, Carrie Fisher's mother, Debbie Reynolds, and Harry Karl divorced when Fisher was 17 years old.
1985: Accidental Overdose
In 1985, after months of sobriety, Carrie Fisher accidentally overdosed on a combination of prescription medication and sleeping pills, leading to events that inspired her novel and screenplay, Postcards from the Edge.
1992: Birth of Billie Lourd
In 1992, Carrie Fisher and Bryan Lourd had their only child, Billie Lourd.
2001: Discussed Drug Use in Psychology Today
In 2001, Carrie Fisher discussed her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and drug use as a form of self-medication in Psychology Today, explaining that "Drugs made me feel more normal."
February 26, 2005: Death of R. Gregory Stevens
On February 26, 2005, R. Gregory Stevens was found dead in Carrie Fisher's California home, with the cause of death listed as "cocaine and oxycodone use" and heart disease as a contributing factor.
December 12, 2008: Late Late Show Appearance
On December 12, 2008, Carrie Fisher discussed her electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
2008: Discussed Wishful Drinking on Today
In 2008, Carrie Fisher discussed her memoir Wishful Drinking and various topics in it with Matt Lauer on NBC's Today, also revealing she would have turned down the role of Princess Leia if she knew it would give her celebrity status.
2014: Stops ECT treatments
In 2014, Carrie Fisher stated that she was no longer receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments.
December 2016: Death from Cardiac Arrest
In December 2016, Carrie Fisher died of a sudden cardiac arrest at age 60, four days after experiencing a medical emergency during a transatlantic flight from London to Los Angeles.
December 23, 2016: Medical Emergency on Flight
On December 23, 2016, Carrie Fisher experienced a medical emergency on a commercial flight from London to Los Angeles, approximately fifteen minutes before landing. She received CPR from a passenger until paramedics arrived and was then placed on a ventilator at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
December 27, 2016: Carrie Fisher's Death
On December 27, 2016, Carrie Fisher died. She was an American actress and writer, best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars films.
2016: The Princess Diarist Revelation
In 2016, Carrie Fisher revealed in her autobiography, The Princess Diarist, that she had a three-month affair with Harrison Ford in 1976 during the filming of Star Wars.
