Today, the world lost a brilliant actress, sharp wit, talented writer, champion for mental health, and cultural icon. Carrie Fisher was a legend, and if you need a reminder of why, look no further than her roasting Star Wars creator George Lucas.
In 2005, The American Film Institute awarded the Life Achievement Award to Lucas. But it was Fisher’s speech that night that stole the show. In just over four minutes, Fisher flays Lucas as equally as she honors him. She’s fearless in sharing her story, while also taking playful shots at herself, and the franchise and the industry that made her famous.
“Hi, I’m Mrs. Han Solo and I’m an alcoholic,” Fisher begins. “I’m an alcoholic because George Lucas ruined my life.” She goes on to call Lucas a sadist, but adds that “like any abused child wearing a metal bikini, chained to a giant slug about to die, I keep coming back for more.”
“Hi, I’m Mrs. Han Solo and I’m an alcoholic.”
Fisher praises Lucas while also good heartedly calling out his bullshit, and with it, the sexism of Hollywood. She points to “Queen Amadillo, or whatever her name is” in the prequel series, who changed hairstyles and outfits “practically every time she walks through a door.”
“I bet she even got to wear a bra, even though you told me I couldn’t, because there was no underwear in space!” Fisher shouts, referencing a story told in her autobiography Wishful Drinking.
“I’m only slightly bitter because you, my formerly silent friend, are an extraordinary talent, and let’s face it, an artist,” Fisher concludes, “the like of which is seen perhaps once in a generation. Who helps define that generation, and who deserves every award I now spend the latter half of my Leia-laden life helping to hurl your way.”
Carrie Fisher is gone, but pieces of her life and legacy are scattered across film, television, and the web. They remind us of the very best of her: an unshakeable woman whose bold, crass humor and wit only highlighted her strength in an industry that didn’t deserve her.
