Welcome to the first Insecure Writer's Support Group post of 2017. A special thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for continuing to guide us and inspire us. Be sure to visit the rest of the supportive writers.
Goodbye To A Multi-Talented Mother & Daughter
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| Debbie Reynolds & Carrie Fisher; abctvnews.com
It was the end of an era when Debbie Reynolds died on December 28 one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher. Fisher died from a heart attack while Reynolds died from a stroke. Her son Todd Fisher told 20/20 that his mother's final words were that she wanted to be with her daughter.
Debbie Reynolds planned on becoming a gym teacher until she won a Miss Burbank contest. Though she wasn't a dancer, an MGM talent scout was in the audience which led to her role with Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor in Singing In The Rain. Reynolds married singer Eddie Fisher and they were such close friends with Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Todd that they stood up in their wedding. Before Carrie turned two-years-old, Fisher left her mother for Elizabeth Taylor after her husband Michael Todd was killed in a plane crash.
Reynolds went on to marry two other successful men who later lost their fortunes as well as hers, but like her Academy Award nominated character in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Reynolds always re-invented herself and never gave up.
Known as Princess Leia in Star Wars, Carrie Fisher also was a talented writer. She wrote Postcards From The Edge, a witty look at being a patient in a rehab facility for drug and alcohol abuse. Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine played characters based on Fisher and Reynolds in the film version and Fisher explained that she was later diagnosed as manic depressive/bipolar which her mother said she inherited from her father's side of the family. That was one of many lines from Fisher's one-woman play Wishful Drinking that aired on HBO.
The mother and daughter never lost their sense of humor and though they were estranged for many years, they reconciled and even lived next door to each other. Below are some of Fisher's best lines:
"My body hasn't aged as well as I have."
"Everyone drives somebody crazy, I just have a bigger car."
"The only exercise I get lately is running off at the mouth and jumping to conclusions."
After Reynolds wrote her 2013 biography, Unsinkable: A Memoir, she said, "These are my recollections. If you remember things differently, send me your version - but only if it's funnier."
This weekend I watched Wishful Drinking and The Unsinkable Molly Brown for the first time and found myself crying for Fisher and Reynolds. My husband also enjoyed the HBO special as well as the classic movie.
When my mom and I first heard about their deaths she told me how much she loved Debbie Reynolds and how she looked good until the end. She thought she was a wonderful singer, dancer and actress and she knew that she died of a broken heart before it was reported on the news.
I asked my mom if she thought the same thing could ever happen to her and she replied, "Yes, I would definitely die of a broken heart if God forbid anything ever happened to...your brother."
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Well, you know where you stand.
ReplyDeleteIt was tragic they passed so close together. I've seen Postcards from the Edge and they had an interesting relationship.
Happy 2017!
It was so heartbreaking to hear about their passing. :(
ReplyDeleteI was a fan of both of them, two tough and resilient survivors!
ReplyDeleteGEM JULIE ~
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that Debbie Reynolds died one day after her daughter. I'm probably the only person who didn't know that. (Never really thought of your blog as a Celebrity News site before but, hey, I'm adaptable.)
~ D-FensDogG
Alex - It was tragic. I think I'll appreciate Postcards From the Edge even more now. Thanks for hosting another wonderful IWSG, Alex and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteChrys - It was heartbreaking. Thanks Chrys!
Debra - I couldn't agree more! We tough broads have to stick together! Thanks Debra!
Stephen - This usually isn't a "celebrity news site," but I often write about my relationship with my mother and Carrie Fisher was the queen of insecure writers, so there is a point to all of this. I guess when you're used to reading most of my silly stories, it's hard to follow one that actually makes sense.
Julie
Yes, it was the end of an era Julie, I grew up with Debbie Reynolds. I remember her best in Tammy and Susan Slept Here. Nice to see you, haven't seen you around much. Happy New Year
ReplyDeleteIt was sad they died together, but honestly if I lived a full life and suffered another heartbreak like the loss of my spouse, that seems like a good way to die. I just taped a show Carrie Fisher did for HBO I want to watch, and I'm hoping to read some of her books. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI know. It is so sad. I didn't know she wrote Postcards from the Edge. I'm going to watch it again for sure.
ReplyDeleteSuch overwhelming sadness for their family, friends, and fans. They both lived full and colorful lives.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo! Yes, I'm sorry that I haven't been around much. I've been busy working and wish that I could have even 1/8 of Alex's multi-tasking superpowers! I know the song from Tammy, but I've never seen the movie. Hopefully, more of Debbie Reynolds movies will be on shown on TV again. Thanks and Happy New Year to you!
ReplyDeleteNatalie - I agree about Debbie Reynolds. It's incredibly sad when a parent has to outlive their child. I'm so sorry that you lost your husband so young. I admire your strength and courage, and you've been an exceptional role model for your daughter. Thanks and wishing you all the best in the New Year, Natalie!
Julie
Jenny - Yes, I also want to watch Postcards again. Carrie Fisher had a gift for witty dialogue. Thanks Jenny!
ReplyDeleteConnie - I agree that they both lived "full and colorful lives." I just saw that HBO is having a tribute to them this weekend. Thanks Connie!
Julie
It was definitely a tragic loss. 2016 was rough in the sense that we've lost many celebrities we connected with. I grew up listening to Bowie and Prince and just recently watched some of the Star Wars films. I haven't seen Postcards From The Edge yet, but it's definitely going on my watch list.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2017. May it be prosperous for you and yours. Eva, IWSG co-host #60
Eva - I also grew up listening to Prince and Bowie and discovered some Bowie songs that I never heard before after his death. It's all very sad. Thanks for co-hosting the IWSG and best wishes to you in the New Year!
DeleteJulie
It is sad to hear about the passing of those two women. They will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie - oh yes .. another story from your mother - honestly ... she's a classic! So many losses this year ... have a peaceful year ahead .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHi, Julie,
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!!!
I knew Carrie died, but I must have been in a zone to miss Debbie's death. I always enjoyed her movies and persona ... an amazing woman for sure....
I see your mom is starting the new year as HERSELF..... Mother/daughter relationships can be a blessing and curse sometimes... I'm sure she adores you....
I think your mom is just as much of a joker as Carrie and Debbie were.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see your mom is her good ol' self :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family a wonderful 2017!
Cynthia - It's incredible how they reconciled after so many years and became closer than ever. Thanks Cynthia!
ReplyDeleteHilary - My mom couldn't agree with you more! It's sad that there were so many losses this year. I tried leaving a comment about the wonderful poem you posted yesterday, but it didn't go through. I will try again. Thank you and wishing you a peaceful year as well.
Michael - You're right - I'd be worried if my mom didn't say that! I also enjoyed Debbie Reynolds' movies and her bubbly personality. She was unrecognizable as Liberace's (played by Michael Douglas) mother in the TV movie. Thanks Michael!
Arleen - Yes, she is quite a joker and I do appreciate it. Many people in my mom's situation could be whining and complaining, but my mom is actually quite fun to be around. Thanks Arleen!
Carol - She might be physically weaker, but she is still the queen of one-liners! Thanks Carol and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Julie
Hi Julie - I've looked in spam and comments to be moderated - things pop up in there sometimes - but no. I've asked someone a question re this .. if I get an answer I'll let you know ... I'd have loved to have had your comment on the Shepheard's Calendar post ... frustrating for us both ... if I hear anything I'll let you know. Cheers Hilary
DeleteHilary - I just wanted to wish you Happy New Year and let you know that I didn't forget about you. You're so good about keeping in touch and it's always a joy to see what you've been up to!
DeleteJulie
Such a tragedy for two great talents to pass within a day of each other.
ReplyDeleteThat was a double whammy loss, wasn't it? Just think how hard it must have been (and still be) for Todd to lose his sister and mother so close together.
ReplyDeleteOne interesting thing I read the other day is that when Debbie Reynolds was chosen for "Singin' in the Rain," neither Gene Kelly nor Donald O'Conner was happy about it. Both of them started dance lessons as children, so they'd been dancing for years, and as you said, Debbie had never danced professionally. She had to learn the routines for the movie in a very short time, and I dunno about you, but I think she NAILED 'em!
You really got me with that final line. Your mother is a hoot, and so are you. Happy New Year!
Rhonda - They both had lots of fans, and there has been news coverage of them every day. Thanks Rhonda!
ReplyDeleteSusan - I agree that she "nailed" the dance routines! Supposedly she practiced day and night until her feet bled, and Gene Kelly would just shrug and say, "Well, clean it up." And she kept on dancing for many years on stage after movie musicals fizzled out. Of course we both appreciate tough and talented Old Broads! I still want Shirley MacLaine to play my mom in the movie based on the book that will never be written. There aren't many legendary hoofers left. Thanks Susan!
Julie
It was sad to hear about both their passing within days of each other.
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