Carrie Fisher was an American actress and writer. During her almost five-decade-long career, she had appearances in over 50 films, as well as various television series, documentaries, late night talk shows, video games, and commercials. Official website of Carrie Fisher - actor, author and mental health advocate. Actress Carrie Fisher shot to stardom with her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars and its sequels made her famous. She struggled with alcohol and drug abuse in the 1980s, but came back in 1987. Fisher wrote several semi-autobiographical novels, including Postcards from the Edge and an autobiographical one-woman play, and its nonfiction book, Wishful Drinking, based on the play. Carrie Fisher. Actress: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. Carrie Frances Fisher was born on October 21, 1956 in Burbank, California, to singers/actors Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. She broke out as an actress in one of the biggest film franchises of all time, Star Wars, and over the years, she also became an author and script doctor. Through it all, she remained devoted to. Carrie Fisher was an American actress, novelist, and script doctor from Burbank, California. As an actress, she is primarily remembered for portraying the rebel leader Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars original trilogy (1977-1983). 'Star Wars' icon Carrie Fisher died at 60 years old on Dec. 27, 2016, after going into cardiac arrest on a flight. Here's a look back at how Carrie Fisher died and the legacy the actress. Carrie Fisher (born October 21, 1956, Los Angeles, California, U.S.—died December 27, 2016, Los Angeles) was an American actress and author who was perhaps best known for her portrayal of Princess Leia in the space opera Star Wars. She also earned critical acclaim for her writing. The daughter of actress Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher, she became a cultural icon, admired for her wit, humor, and openness about her struggles with mental health and addiction.