Debbie Reynolds knew great success in life, but she also knew a lot of heartache. She lived through divorce and bankruptcy. Yesterday we learned, though, that there are some things beyond enduring.
You really can die of a broken heart.
Actress Debbie Reynolds died yesterday at the age of 84, just one day after the death of her daughter, Carrie Fisher.
TMZ reports that Ms. Reynolds was at the home of her son, Todd, in Beverly Hills. The two were together to plan a funeral for Carrie, who had died of cardiac arrest on December 27th while on a flight home from London.
Todd Fisher said:
“She wanted to be with Carrie.”
Debbie Reynolds was known for her fresh faced innocence in the early days of Hollywood. Her breakout role was in the musical comedy “Singin’ in the Rain,“ which also starred Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor.
Throughout her very long career, Ms. Reynolds was known for her hard work, her sass and her unwillingness to give up. She lived through the heartbreak of divorce three times, the first of which was very public.
That was when her first husband, actor Eddie Fisher, left her for her close friend Elizabeth Taylor, leaving her the publicly embarrassed mother of two young children, Carrie and Todd Fisher.
Debbie Reynolds overcame bankruptcy, not once but twice. She never gave up; she just kept on working. She once said:
“Some people think I’m tough. But you have to be in order to make a living in show business for more than 60 years.”
Ms. Reynolds was very close to her only daughter, Carrie, who grew up in the spotlight of her mother’s fame.
Carrie, of course, went on to achieve her own fame, most notably with the “Star Wars” series. But she also struggled with bipolar disorder and addiction.
Debbie and Carrie were known to have had a very tumultuous relationship, as so many mothers and daughters do.
But when Carrie Fisher died so unexpectedly at the age of 60, it was too much for her Mom to bear. She wanted to be with Carrie.
Typical for the feisty, unstoppable Debbie Reynolds. She wanted to go see Carrie. So she did.
Watch this video of Debbie Reynolds singing the song “Tammy” from the movie of the same name. And cry a little for her, please.
Featured image via YouTube Screengrab.