The world was just coming to terms with the loss of George Michael earlier this week, when news of Carrie Fisher’s demise affirmed the belief that 2016 is just the worse. Fisher rose to fame for her iconic role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise but it was her wit and wisdom, so clearly evident in her writing, that endeared her to fans. The actress had written six books, including her recently published memoir The Princess Diarist.
Our friends at Elle US compiled some of Carrie Fisher’s most memorable quotes, ranging from the industry’s obsession with appearances to living with bipolar disorder.
On being asked to lose weight for ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’
“They don’t want to hire all of me—only about three-quarters! Nothing changes: It’s an appearance-driven thing. I’m in a business where the only thing that matters is weight and appearance. That is so messed up. They might as well say get younger, because that’s how easy it is.” (Good Housekeeping)
On men:
“There are two things that I know for certain guys are good for: pushing swings and killing insects.” (Postcards from the Edge)
On love:
“I don’t hate hardly ever, and when I love, I love for miles and miles… a love so big it should either be outlawed or it should have a capital and its own currency.” (Shockaholic)
On her bipolar disorder:
“I’ve never been ashamed of my mental illness…it never occurred to me. Many people thank me for talking about it, and mothers can tell their kids when they are upset with the diagnosis that Princess Leia is bipolar too.” (Humanist Hub acceptance speech)
On resentment:
“Resentment is like drinking a poison and waiting for the other person to die.” (Wishful Drinking)
On the importance of humour:
“I laugh a lot, actually. A lot. I’ve gotten to an age where I enjoy my life. I’ve spent enough time struggling with it, and at this point it’s living on one side of the magnifying glass; I stay on the side of making big things appear small. I enjoy myself and I have a lot of good friends, good relationships. You learn to get there. Having gone through a lot of stuff I’ve gone through—I don’t want to do that stuff anymore. I take care of myself best as I can. I do the best imitation of maturity I can possibly muster.” (Web MD)
