The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actor›Carrie Fisher
Entertainment • Actor

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher was an American actress, writer, and screenwriter best known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars film franchise.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Carrie Fisher was an American actress, writer, and screenwriter best known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars film franchise. She also wrote books, appeared in numerous films, and worked as a mental health advocate. Fisher died in 2016 at the age of 60.

Early life

Carrie Fisher was born in 1956 in Burbank, California, to entertainers Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. She grew up in a family already associated with Hollywood.

Acting career

Fisher rose to international fame as Princess Leia in Star Wars. She also appeared in other films and television projects across several decades.

Writing

In addition to acting, Fisher wrote novels, memoirs, and screenplays. Her writing work became a major part of her public identity.

Personal life and death

Fisher married Paul Simon in 1983 and later divorced him. She died in December 2016 at the age of 60 after suffering a medical emergency on a flight.

Key facts

  • Fisher was best known for portraying Princess Leia in the original Star Wars films and later returning to the role in sequel-era releases.
  • She was also a published author and screenwriter, with work including Postcards from the Edge and The Princess Diarist.
  • She was married to singer-songwriter Paul Simon from 1983 to 1984.
  • Fisher died on December 27, 2016, in Los Angeles at age 60.
  • Her death was attributed to cardiac arrest with sleep apnea and other contributing factors noted in later reporting.
🍁
Canadian context

Carrie Fisher was widely known in Canada through the Star Wars franchise, her film and television appearances, and her books, which were popular with Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Carrie Fisher?
Carrie Fisher was an American actress, writer, and screenwriter best known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars films.
How old was Carrie Fisher when she died?
She was 60 years old.
What did Carrie Fisher die of?
She died after a cardiac arrest in December 2016; later reports said sleep apnea and other factors contributed.
What movies was Carrie Fisher in?
She appeared in the Star Wars films and also in movies including Shampoo, The Blues Brothers, Hannah and Her Sisters, The 'Burbs, and When Harry Met Sally...
Who was Carrie Fisher married to?
She was married to singer Paul Simon from 1983 to 1984.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carrie-Fisher
    Supports: Birth and death dates, age at death, nationality, and overview of her career.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrie_Fisher
    Supports: Marriage to Paul Simon and key Star Wars film credits.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/carrie-fisher
    Supports: Career overview, death date, age at death, and later reporting on contributing factors.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38422973
    Supports: Marriage to Paul Simon and biographical overview.
  5. People — https://www.people.com/carrie-fisher-life-in-photos-5729808
    Supports: Age at death and reporting on the cause of death.
  6. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000402/
    Supports: Filmography examples and spouse information.