Princess Leia might be Carrie Fisher’s most famous role, but she’s been in all kinds of incredible projects aside from Star Wars. Whether it was a leading role or a side character, Carrie Fisher always added a pizzazz to any movie she appeared in. Right up until her sudden death in 2016, Fisher was active in the industry. Besides the return of Star Wars, where she returned as Princess Leia for the sequel trilogy, she had many iconic performances that remain memorable today.
Carrie Fisher was born to two parents who already had quite the experience in show business. Fisher tended to be fun-loving and easy going about her choices of roles to play, often poking fun at herself along the way. Despite her involvement in one of the most famous film series in history, Fisher had a reputation for being down-to-earth and fun to be around. The result of that was a wonderful legacy of amazing performances that shine even decades later.
10 Nun In Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Year: 2001
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This movie gives Carrie Fisher a chance to show off her wit and humor. A play on an assortment of famous movies and staples of pop culture, the movie references everything from Scooby-Doo to Land of the Lost. It’s only fitting that Princess Leia makes an appearance in a movie whose name is pulled from one of the most famous Star Wars movies.
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Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back is a 2001 comedy film directed by Kevin Smith, starring Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith as the titular characters. The plot follows the duo as they embark on a cross-country journey to Hollywood to prevent a film based on their likenesses from being made. Along the way, they encounter various comedic misadventures and cameos from the View Askewniverse.
Director Kevin Smith Release Date August 24, 2001 Writers Kevin Smith Cast Jason Mewes , Kevin Smith , Harley Quinn Smith , Ever Carradine Runtime 104 minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand
Despite playing an unnamed nun who only appears for a couple of minutes in the movie, Fisher absolutely steals the scene. Adding even more humor to her appearance in the movie, Fisher reportedly took this role for free. All she asked was to trade her appearance for a pair of antique chairs.
9 April In Hannah and Her Sisters
Year: 1986
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Carrie Fisher doesn’t play Hannah or any of her sisters in this movie, but still provided a noteworthy performance as a featured star. The movie follows three sisters over the course of three years, chronicling their troubles and triumphs. Fisher’s April is competing with Diane Weist’s Holly for not only the same role on Broadway, but for the affection of the same man as well.
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*Availability in US Director Woody Allen Release Date February 7, 1986 Cast Mia Farrow , Michael Caine , Woody Allen , Carrie Fisher , Barbara Hershey , Dianne Wiest , Max Von Sydow Main Genre Drama
This role shows off Fisher’s singing, featuring her character’s rendition of “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra for an audition. This is a highly memorable moment from the movie, particularly in the way it allows Fisher to show off a talent she wouldn’t otherwise have been able to in something like Star Wars. It truly proves just how scene-stealing, or even film-stealing, Fisher can be.
8 Carol Peterson In The ‘Burbs
Year: 1989
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Though it’s still considered a comedy, The ‘Burbs is one of Fisher’s more dramatic roles. She plays the wife of Tom Hanks’ Ray Peterson, who has just moved back to his home in the suburbs for some relaxing time off. Soon, however, he becomes increasingly afraid that the mysterious new couple that’s just moved in next door is part of a Satanic cult.
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The ‘Burbs is a dark comedy directed by Joe Dante, starring Tom Hanks as Ray Peterson, a suburbanite who grows suspicious of his eccentric new neighbors. As strange events unfold, Peterson and his friends become increasingly convinced that something sinister is happening next door. The film explores themes of paranoia and suburban life with a humorous twist.
Director Joe Dante Release Date February 17, 1989 Writers Dana Olsen Cast Tom Hanks , Bruce Dern , Carrie Fisher , Corey Feldman , Rick Ducommun , Wendy Schaal , Henry Gibson , Theodore Gottlieb Runtime 102 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand
It’s an underrated horror-comedy, and Fisher does an amazing job as Hanks’ level-headed wife. Their chemistry makes sense, as it’s her second movie with him. Decades later, The ‘Burbs is set for a reboot starring Keke Palmer.
7 Herself In The Big Bang Theory
Year: 2014
Carrie Fisher never shied away from poking fun at herself, as proven in The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 14 “The Convention Conundrum,” when she appeared as herself alongside fellow Star Wars actor James Earl Jones. After being tracked down by Sheldon, Jones soon pulls him into a night of chaos, including pranking Carrie Fisher, who is referred to as “kind of crazy.” Jones’ prank on his on-screen daughter is clearly not the first, as Fisher runs out of her house with a baseball bat yelling, “It’s not funny anymore, James!”
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The Big Bang Theory first premiered on CBS in 2007 and became one of its era’s most popular and longest-lasting network sitcoms. Running for 12 seasons, The Big Bang Theory focuses on a group of self-proclaimed nerds, Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Howard (Simon Helberg), and Raj (Kunal Nayyar), who form an unlikely friendship with their new neighbor Penny (Kaley Cuoco). The series became a ratings giant and took home multiple Emmys. The Big Bang Theory was so successful that it ended up spawning a spinoff titled Young Sheldon, which has also become one of CBS’ most popular sitcoms.
Cast Kaley Cuoco , Johnny Galecki , Jim Parsons , Melissa Rauch , Mayim Bialik , Kunal Nayyar , Simon Helberg Release Date September 24, 2007 Seasons 12 Network CBS Franchise(s) The Big Bang Theory Writers Chuck Lorre , Bill Prady Directors Mark Cendrowski Showrunner Mark Cendrowski Expand
Shockingly, this was the first time that Fisher and Jones had ever met in real life, since Jones had done his work as Darth Vader in a sound booth after all the scenes were shot. When the two met on set, Fisher reportedly went straight to Jones, exclaiming, “Dad!” Their appearance together is a hilarious nod to their Star Wars connection, and it’s hilarious to imagine Darth Vader ding-dong-ditching his no-nonsense daughter.
6 Angela & Mon Mothma In Family Guy
Years: 2005-2015
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Carrie Fisher appeared in 25 episodes of Family Guy as Peter Griffin’s boss at the Pawtucket Brewery. Her stern attitude brought the character to life. Two years after Fisher’s death, Angela was given an amusing exit from the show that would have made Carrie Fisher laugh: Peter delivers her eulogy, saying, “Angela died doing what she loved: swimming less than 20 minutes after she ate.”
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Family Guy, created by Seth McFarlane and David Zuckerman, follows Peter Griffin and his family as they find themselves in bizarre situations in the fictional city of Quahog, Road Island. Between the cutaway gags and memorable characters such as Chris, Meg, Lois, Stewie, and Brian, Family Guy has become one of Fox’s most successful animations, even winning several Primetime Emmys.
Cast Seth MacFarlane , Alex Borstein , Seth Green , Lacey Chabert , Mila Kunis , Mike Henry , Patrick Warburton Release Date January 31, 1999 Seasons 21 Network FOX Streaming Service(s) Hulu Franchise(s) Family Guy Writers Seth MacFarlane , David Zuckerman Showrunner Seth MacFarlane Expand
In the Star Wars themed episode, funnily enough, Fisher did not reprise her role as Princess Leia. Instead, she played Mon Mothma, leader of the Rebel Alliance. This allowed Lois to portray Leia, narratively fitting the concept that the members of the Griffin family were all taking on the leading cast of Star Wars.
5 Marie In When Harry Met Sally
Year: 1989
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When Harry Met Sally is one of Fisher’s better-known roles, as she plays the unlucky-in-love best friend of the titular Sally. In the beginning of Marie’s story, she’s hopelessly entangled in a love affair with a married man. She approaches life with a sense of cynicism until she falls in love with Harry’s best friend. The unfolding union is instrumental in keeping Harry and Sally close enough to develop the tender relationship that ultimately molds them into one of cinema’s most iconic rom-com couples.
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Written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, When Harry Met Sally chronicles the life and relationship of Harry Burns and Sally Allbright, who meet just after college on a road trip to New York City and begin a decade-long relationship that slowly evolves from friendship to true love. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star as Harry and Sally, with a further cast that includes Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby.
Director Rob Reiner Release Date July 21, 1989 Studio(s) Columbia Pictures Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures Writers Nora Ephron Cast Bruno Kirby , Meg Ryan , Carrie Fisher , Steven Ford , Billy Crystal Runtime 95 minutes Budget $16 million Expand
Despite the movie’s tender themes, Fisher still manages to bring the laughs without being comic relief. Though she wasn’t credited, Fisher also worked on the script of the movie. Her talent for workshopping scripts would go on to reappear in many iconic projects, like Scream 3 and Hook.
4 Mystery Woman In The Blues Brothers
Year: 1980
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Right in the middle of her Star Wars career, Carrie Fisher had a small yet explosive role in an iconic comedy. Fisher shows up periodically in The Blues Brothers as a murderous young woman who attacks the main characters with increasingly more outrageous means of destruction, “for the common good.” The faux intensity of the character is perfect for Carrie Fisher’s talent for making the absurd seem polished and funny at the same time.
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After being released from prison, Jake Blues (John Belushi) reunites with his brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) to save a catholic home where they were raised together. To raise money, they put bring their old band back together and put on a show as “The Blues Brothers.” Set in Chicago and based on Saturday Night Live characters, The Blues Brothers features several musical celebrity cameos such as Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown.
Director John Landis Release Date June 20, 1980 Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Dan Aykroyd , John Landis Cast John Belushi , ray charles , Cab Calloway , James Brown , Dan Aykroyd , Aretha Franklin Runtime 133 minutes Sequel(s) blues brothers Budget $27 million Expand
Her character is eventually revealed to be Jake’s jilted lover out for revenge. Though Jake’s excuses seem to win her over at the end of the movie, he leaves her behind again. Viewers are left with the feeling that this may bode ill for the next time their paths cross.
3 Herself In Wishful Drinking
Year: 2010
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In this Ted Talk-style stage production, Carrie Fisher gets candid about her experiences with Hollywood, mental illness, addiction, and just about everything else that she experienced in her life. The one-woman show is only just over an hour long, but Fisher makes the most of her time. With props and humorous anecdotes, she covers heavy topics with an upbeat demeanor.
Carrie Fisher eventually adapted Wishful Drinking into a book. There, her writing skills and wit shined in a different way. Still, nothing beats watching her act out every detail of her raw and unapologetic memoir on stage.
2 Rosemary Howard In 30 Rock
Year: 2007
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One of Fisher’s silliest roles would have to be as Rosemary Howard, the idol of Tina Fey’s Liz Lemon. She shows up in 30 Rock season 2, episode 4 “Rosemary’s Baby.” Fisher’s character was a successful writer in the 60s that Liz looked up to during her childhood, but after being recruited as a guest writer for The Girly Show, Rosemary is revealed to be hilariously controversial and unstable.
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Tina Fey’s absurdist comedy series follows Liz Lemon, the head writer of a fictional live sketch comedy show operating out of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, which is where the show derives its name. Loosely based on Fey’s experiences as a writer on Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock ran for seven seasons with a supporting cast that included Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, and Jack McBrayer.
Cast Tina Fey , Alec Baldwin , Tracy Morgan , Jane Krakowski , Jack McBrayer , Scott Adsit , Judah Friedlander , Katrina Bowden , Keith Powell , Lonny Ross Release Date October 11, 2006 Seasons 7 Network NBC Streaming Service(s) Peacock Writers Tina Fey , Robert Carlock Showrunner Robert Carlock Expand
Star Wars is referenced a lot in 30 Rock, right down to Liz Lemon eventually getting married in a Princess Leia Halloween costume. This continued with Fisher’s appearance in the series. As Liz realizes that Rosemary represents a future she wants no part of and leaves to beg for her job back, Rosemary yells after her, “Help me, Liz Lemon. You’re my only hope!” in a funny callback to her famous line in A New Hope.
1 Lorna Karpf In Shampoo
Year: 1975
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Shampoo predates Star Wars, and Fisher’s role is a pretty small one. Still, her film debut is pretty impressive for a 17-year-old. The movie follows a hairdresser named George, played by Warren Beatty, as he grapples with the effects his torrid love life has on his professional responsibilities. Playing the precocious daughter of one of the leading character’s girlfriends, Fisher holds her own against some big names in Hollywood.
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Shampoo, directed by Hal Ashby, is a satirical comedy-drama set in 1968 Beverly Hills. The film follows George Roundy, a charismatic hairdresser played by Warren Beatty, who juggles relationships with several women while aspiring to open his own salon. Co-starring Julie Christie, Goldie Hawn, and Lee Grant, Shampoo delves into themes of sexual politics and personal ambition against the backdrop of a tumultuous political era.
Director Hal Ashby Release Date February 11, 1975 Studio(s) Columbia Pictures , Persky-Bright Productions Writers Warren Beatty , Robert Towne Cast Warren Beatty , Julie Christie , Goldie Hawn , Lee Grant , Jack Warden Runtime 110 Minutes Budget 4000000.0 Main Genre Comedy Expand
As the daughter of Debbie Reynolds, it’s easy to believe that Carrie Fisher had an easy time making connections in Hollywood. This first role of hers, however, proves that she had talent from the start. The role showcases her nerve and potential for all her future projects, Star Wars included.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
Created by George Lucas First Film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope Cast Mark Hamill , James Earl Jones , David Prowse , Carrie Fisher , Harrison Ford , Daisy Ridley , Adam Driver , Ian McDiarmid , Ewan McGregor , Rosario Dawson , Lars Mikkelsen , Rupert Friend , Moses Ingram , Frank Oz , Pedro Pascal TV Show(s) The Mandalorian , Andor , Obi-Wan Kenobi , The Book of Boba Fett , Ahsoka , The Acolyte , Star Wars: Skeleton Crew , Lando , Star Wars: The Clone Wars , Star Wars Rebels , Star Wars: The Bad Batch , Star Wars: Resistance , Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures , Star Wars: Visions Character(s) Luke Skywalker , Han Solo , Rey Skywalker , Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious , Obi-Wan Kenobi , Ahsoka Tano , Grand Admiral Thrawn , Grand Inquisitor , Reva (The Third Sister) , The Fifth Brother , The Seventh Sister , The Eighth Brother , Yoda , Din Djarin , Grogu , Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader , Leia Organa , Ben Solo/Kylo Ren Video Game(s) Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic , Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords , Star Wars Battlefront (2015) , Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2005) , Star Wars: The Force Unleashed , Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II , Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order , Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Expand