Debbie Reynolds, who starred in more than 80 films, passed away just 1 day after her daughter Carrie Fisher suffered a severe stroke.
Among her notable works are ‘How The West Was Won (1963)’ and ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964)’, as well as her singing career. The hit single ‘Tammy’ topped the US charts in 1957, and she released her debut pop album titled ‘Debbie’ in 1959.
Reynolds was a vibrant personality, both on stage and in her home life. Her motto, ‘There’s no business like show business,’ was a phrase she often repeated.
Growing up with Reynolds as her mother was an immense challenge for Carrie Fisher. Her mother’s obsession with Hollywood and Show Business consumed her life entirely. Family matters often went unnoticed, and maternal presence was notably lacking.
While Debbie Reynolds excelled at singing, Carrie Fisher did not share that talent.
Debbie Reynolds was an accomplished dancer, while Carrie Fisher did not possess that skill either.
However, writing was a strength for Carrie Fisher, who was an exceptional writer. In contrast, Reynolds was recognized for her singing and dancing but was not considered a great actress. Her legacy might best be summed up as that of a Las Vegas star.
Carrie Fisher lived much of her life in the enormous shadow of her mother, battling substance issues along the way. In my opinion, the pressures of Hollywood compounded her struggles, especially considering her mother’s unyielding presence. Additionally, her father, Eddie Fisher, struggled with alcoholism and drug use, ultimately leaving Reynolds for Elizabeth Taylor. Reynolds once remarked, ‘Elizabeth Taylor did a great thing getting Eddie out of the house and away from me,’ even though Taylor soon discarded him too.
Every achievement Carrie Fisher made in her lifetime was inevitably measured against her mother’s success. The media bears some responsibility for this narrative, but Reynolds also unconsciously reminded Fisher of her stardom frequently.
Had Debbie Reynolds been able to separate show business from home life, Carrie Fisher’s childhood might have been considerably better.
For about 15 years, Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds did not communicate.
As Reynolds aged and her public profile diminished, their relationship began to mend, culminating in Fisher moving next door to her mother.
The entertainment industry is notoriously turbulent, and while I believe that Debbie Reynolds loved her daughter, it seems she ultimately overshadowed Fisher—even in death.
Carrie Fisher may have felt frustrated that her mother passed away just a day after her, stealing the spotlight from her final moments.
There was undeniable love between them, yet it was the circumstances of their lives that hindered their relationship, much like many other stories in Hollywood.
A joint funeral is being planned for Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher, with the intention of burying them together. Perhaps now they can find peace with each other.
by Sasha Dubronitz
