Key Takeaways:
– Carrie Fisher's iconic role as Princess Leia could have gone to another actress, Terri Nunn.
– Harrison Ford's lack of interest in actress Terri Nunn might have been a contributing factor to Fisher landing the role.
– Fisher and Ford reportedly had an off-screen affair during the filming of Star Wars.
– Fisher detailed her affair with the married Ford in her 2016 autobiography, ‘The Princess Diarist.'
Unfolding Carrie Fisher's Journey to Stardom and the Iconic Princess Leia Role
Much-adored actress, Carrie Fisher, was almost destined for Hollywood, being the progeny of Hollywood stars, Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. Her talent shone brightly in the film ‘Shampoo,' but it was her portrayal as Princess Leia in Star Wars in 1977 that shot her to international fame. Even following her demise in 2016, her outstanding Princess Leia legacy remains alive and entrancing.
Almost five decades since Star Wars' release, behind-the-scenes tidbits continue to reveal fascinating aspects of Hollywood's workings. One such piece of trivia is the fact that another actress, Terri Nunn, could have nabbed Fisher's iconic role.
Terri Nunn: The Almost Princess Leia
Many remember the late Carrie Fisher for her exceptional depiction of Princess Leia in Star Wars. However, Terri Nunn, actress and lead vocalist of the band ‘Berlin', famous for hit songs like ‘Take My Breath Away' and ‘Metro', came close to becoming the space princess.
Numerous actresses, including Amy Irving, Farrah Fawcett, Cindy Williams, and Lisa Eilbacher, were considered for the Princess Leia role. However, Fisher was finalized after Nunn read lines with Harrison Ford who, according to Nunn, showed muted interest in her. Had the circumstances been different, Nunn might have brought a unique touch to the role.
Unraveling the Ford-Fisher Love Story
Hollywood has always been rife with stories of on-screen romances evolving into off-screen love affairs. The iconic pair of Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher is no exception. Starring in Star Wars as Princess Leia and Han Solo respectively, their off-set romance became headline-worthy, primarily due to Ford's marital status and their 14-year age gap.
Their illicit love story remained a secret until Fisher chose to blow the lid off in her 2016 autobiography, ‘The Princess Diarist'. The revelation sent shockwaves, considering Ford was already a father-of-two and was married during the filming of Star Wars.
According to Persons, Fisher characterizes the three-month liaison with Ford as “so intense.” She further elaborates, “It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend.” The narrative hints at their affair sparking off at George Lucas' birthday celebration, where Ford rescued Fisher from a crew member's inappropriate behavior.
Final Take
While Carrie Fisher's magnificent portrayal as Princess Leia made her an eternal cinematic icon, the tales spilling from behind the Hollywood curtain lend more alluring layers to her and the Star Wars' saga. Fisher's candid revelations about her affair with Ford not only humanize the stars we admire but also add to the mystique surrounding the mammoth entertainment industry.
All Star Wars movies are presently available for streaming on Disney+.
