Debbie Reynolds introduced herself as “Princess Leia’s mom” to Nia Vardalos.
Introductions
The 63-year-old actress worked with the late Hollywood legend, parent to Carrie Fisher, who played Leia in Star Wars, in the 2004 comedy-crime movie, Connie and Carla.
Nia recalled to People, “She came to set and said, ‘Yes, hello, it’s me, Princess Leia’s mom.'”
The My Big Fat Greek Wedding creator described Debbie, who had Carrie and son, Todd Fisher, 68, with her late first husband, singer-and-actor Eddie Fisher, as “the most down-to-earth, hilarious, lovely woman.”
Nia added, “The stuff she wrote, I was like, good. There’s no shame in it.”
Carrie and Debbie’s Deaths
Carrie – who was catapulted to fame after appearing in 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope – died of a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 60, four days after she experienced a medical emergency during a flight from London to Los Angeles on December 23, 2016.
A day later, on December 28, Debbie, who shot to global stardom in the 1950s, with roles such as Singin’ in the Rain and Tammy and the Bachelor, died from a stroke aged 84.
Paying Tribute
Her granddaughter, and Carrie’s only child, Billie Lourd, 33, paid tribute to Debbie on the ninth anniversary of her death last year.
The actress took to Instagram and posted an adorable shot of herself with Carrie, who had Billie with her 65-year-old ex-partner, talent manager Bryan Lourd, and Debbie at The Radio City Christmas Show, Universal City, California.
Billie captioned the upload with multiple emojis that seemingly referenced The Last Showgirl entertainer’s sweet nickname for her grandmother, “Abadaba.”
The Scream Queens star also paid tribute to Carrie, who “lives on through the joy” the star has with her son Kingston, six, and four-year-old daughter Jackson, whom she has with her 34-year-old husband, actor Austen Rydell.
Acting Skills
In March 2025, Billie credited Debbie and Carrie for her acting and comedy skills.
The American Horror Story cast member told People, “I’d say definitely the comedy is in the genetics. They were better at it than me.”
“I can do a fair bit of tap dancing, not as good as … young Debbie Reynolds, but that’s also in the genes, although my mom kind of sucked at tap dancing.”
“I’m a very distinct personality, definitely different from both of them. Well, it’s something you learn through generations.”
“I think I’ve learned to balance my life and my work in a different way than they were able to do, and that was also a product of the times.”