by RILEY GOLDEN//Entertainment Editor
Best known for rescuing Han Solo and sleighing Jabba the Hut as Princess Leia Organa, the late Carrie Fisher was a wonderful actress and human being.
Born on Oct. 21, 1956 to Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, Fisher was more than just an actress, she was a women’s rights activist and an advocate for maintaining mental health.
Recently, during the Women’s Marches, Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill posted a picture of himself at one of the marches holding up a picture of Fisher with the caption: “We know where she stood.” Even in death, Fisher is remembered by her cast members as an advocate for strong women.
On Dec. 30 Lubbock Alamo Draft House and Denae Griffith, who hosts different events for Alamo, hosted a Lightsaber Vigil in honor of Fisher, who passed away on Dec. 27, 2016, due to a heart attack.
Griffith kicked off the event with a heartfelt elegy dedicated to Fisher. “From the first time we heard “help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope,” we’ve been a galaxy in love with Carrie Fisher,” said Griffith. “From a bikini clad sex icon to a mental health advocate, a hilarious comedic side kick, and a blaster-toting badass, Carrie showed us that we could be whoever we wanted to be, no matter our struggles.”
With tears swelling in the crowd, Griffith continued, “She was a female role model without having to be written as one. Princess Leia kicked ass because she did,” she said. “Thank you, Carrie, for all the years of laughter, love, and strength. May the force be with you, Princess.”
Then, all of the Darth Vaders and Jedi in the crowd, with tears rolling down their faces, joined others around the country in lighting and raising their red, blue, and green lightsabers in a visually stunning display.
On Dec. 28, Fisher’s mother, Debbie Reynolds also died due to what many are calling a “broken heart.”
Carrie Fisher instilled strength in many young women and was the beloved princess of the “Star Wars” community and she will be dearly missed. May the force be with you, Princess Leia.
[Photo by RILEY GOLDEN/PLAINSMAN PRESS]
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