Carrie Fisher, 1956-2016

I don't know if today's audiences are aware of just how big of an impact Carrie Fisher's Princess Leia made in 1977.

Yes, she was the beautiful princess in white waiting to be rescued by the men and then — what? She kicks you-know-what, saves the men, has a tongue sharp enough to cut diamond, and turns out to be a leader of the Rebel Alliance. Back in the day, people talked about her character as being revolutionary; she (and Star Wars creator George Lucas) subverted the roles and gender attitudes of the time.

Fisher will always be known for her Star Wars role, but she also made a name for herself as a writer, becoming a best-selling author and script doctor in Hollywood. She became a hero for an entirely different reason when she talked openly about her struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction.

Princess Leia was revolutionary. And the actress who portrayed her was funny, sharp, and pointed. 
And I'm scared to think what else can happen in the next four days of this crummy year.

Leonard Nimoy's Retirement: He Won't Be Spock Again

Actor, director, photographer Leonard Nimoy is set to end his public career and made what he calls one of his last public appearances when he is a guest at Phoenix Comicon on May 28, 2011.

He told College Times that he would be heading into retirement, but would not by any means be doing nothing:

The actor and science-fiction legend says he just doesn't feel the need for it anymore, emotionally or financially, and that he would rather focus more on his photography. "Several museums now hold my work around the country," he says. "But the most important [reason] is my family. I have a great family life, with wonderful people that I love dearly. I've had a great, great run and I'm a very grateful guy."

That's a more positive story to tell than Harlan Ellison told about what he called his final convention appearance last year.

Alec Baldwin Discusses LA Family Court

Actor Alec Baldwin, just 24 hours after winning his first Emmy Award (for his starring role in "30 Rock"), spoke to The Commonwealth Club of California on Monday, September 22, 2008, about his experiences in family court following the breakup of his marriage to actress Kim Basinger.

Baldwin did not come to The Commonwealth Club to speak about his Emmy or his storied acting career. He instead spoke only about what he learned as a result of his family court experience. He was a funny and gracious guest speaker at The Club, but his purpose was, of course, very serious.

(Apologies for the graininess of the video; I was at the back of the room, and my batteries were dying.)

Alec Baldwin's Emmy

Actor Alec Baldwin won his first Emmy Award last night, recognizing his work on "30 Rock." It's surely a bit of welcome news for the actor, who's been nominated for Academy and Tony awards (and has won a Golden Globe). He's in the middle of a book tour for A Promise to Ourselves, and he's been talking about his highly publicized bitter divorce with ex-wife Kim Basinger.
Tonight (September 22), he's speaking at The Commonwealth Club of California in San Francisco, and you can't get better timing than that. Should be very interesting.