It's been close to three years since Carrie Fisher left us, but her legacy lives on through her only daughter, Billie Lourd. Billie has been carrying the torch for her mom, especially when it comes to Princess Leia, the iconic character her mother played in the Star Wars saga. In a heartfelt essay for Time, Billie opens up about her journey, revealing how Leia has become more than just a character but a guardian angel in her life.
Billie, now in her late 20s, shares how her life has been shaped by three influential figures: her mother, her father, and, of course, Princess Leia. "Initially, Princess Leia felt like my stepmom," Billie writes. "But now she’s my guardian angel. And I’m her keeper." As she gears up for her third appearance in the Star Wars franchise, Billie discusses the profound impact her mother's passing has had on her, both personally and professionally. Her journey isn't just about preserving Leia's legacy—it's about honoring her mother's memory.
Carrying Leia's Torch: A Painful but Necessary Journey
Carrie Fisher's unexpected death on December 27, 2016, was a shock to the world, especially to her loved ones. Billie recalls the timing with poignant clarity: "Two days after Christmas, four days before New Year’s, and about a year before she was supposed to appear in her final Star Wars film." Losing her mother wasn't just about losing her best friend—it was about inheriting a legacy that felt both monumental and intimidating. "Suddenly, I was in charge of what would come of her books, her movies, and a bunch of other overwhelming things," Billie reflects. "I was now the keeper of Leia."
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When director J.J. Abrams approached Billie about reprising her role as Lieutenant Connix in the Star Wars films, she knew it would be one of the most challenging decisions she'd ever make. "I knew it would be one of the most painful, difficult things I would ever do," Billie admits. "But I said yes—for her, for my mom. For Leia." It wasn't just about honoring her mother's legacy; it was about giving back to the fans who have drawn strength and inspiration from Leia over the years.
Billie's decision was also motivated by her future children. "For my future kids, so someday they’ll have one more movie to watch that Mommy and Grandma were in together," she explains. "So they can ask me about the lady—now ladies—in the TV and tell me to turn it down because it’s too loud." It's these small, personal touches that make her story so relatable and heartfelt.
A Family Legacy: Carrying On After Loss
