Carrie Fisher Pressured to Shed 35 Pounds for New ‘Star Wars’ Film
In the year 1977, a young Carrie Fisher, standing at 5-foot-1 and weighing 105 pounds at only 19 years old, was requested to trim down her weight to portray Princess Leia in the iconic “Star Wars” film.
While this demand may not have been surprising given the standards of Hollywood during that era, it was still a notable expectation.
Fast forward to 2013, when Fisher, now in her mid-50s, was approached to reprise her role in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
One might have assumed a shift in attitudes towards body image in the entertainment industry over the decades, especially for an established figure like Fisher, famous not only for her appearance in the gold bikini but also as Luke Skywalker’s sister and Han Solo’s partner, possessing Jedi abilities.
Nevertheless, she found herself under pressure to shed 35 pounds for the role.
In an interview with Good Housekeeping for its January 2016 cover story, Fisher expressed her frustration, revealing that she was informed to slim down, stating, “They don’t want to hire all of me – only about three-quarters!”
She criticized the emphasis on appearance in her line of work, remarking, “I’m in a business where the only thing that matters is weight and appearance.
That is so messed up.
They might as well say get younger because that’s how easy it is.”
The news came as a shock to many, particularly after director J.J. Abrams had been promoting the film as inclusive and welcoming to female audiences.
Questions arose about the exclusion of larger body sizes in the production, although Fisher did not name the individual responsible for pressuring her.
Notably, in the new film, Leia assumes the role of a general rather than just a princess, raising queries about whether generals are expected to maintain a specific physique.
Abrams, who took over the franchise from George Lucas, had earlier expressed his desire for the movie to appeal to mothers and daughters as well, not just fathers and sons.
Fisher took a stand against the industry’s fixation on physical appearance, denouncing the notion of beauty being treated as an achievement.
She highlighted the superficial nature of interactions in Los Angeles, where compliments often center around weight loss rather than genuine well-being or happiness.
Fisher, known for her unconventional approach to challenging roles and her openness about personal struggles including drug addiction and depression, had previously served as a spokesperson for Jenny Craig, a move that garnered attention for its departure from traditional weight loss endorsements.
Described as acerbic and self-deprecating, Fisher’s candid and unfiltered demeanor stood out in the realm of celebrity endorsements, offering a fresh perspective on the concept of accountability and self-improvement.
Reflecting on her journey, Fisher admitted to her flaws and acknowledged the need for responsibility in managing her habits, acknowledging her tendencies to veer off course and recognize the need for change.
Despite her candid admission of struggles, Fisher’s willingness to confront challenges head-on and embrace her imperfections resonated with audiences seeking authenticity in a world often dominated by unrealistic standards and expectations.
