Debbie Reynolds was one of the most beloved and iconic stars of Hollywood’s golden age, known for her roles in classics like Singin’ in the Rain, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and How the West Was Won. She was also the mother of Carrie Fisher, the actress and writer who became famous as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise. But did you know that Debbie Reynolds had another daughter-in-law in the entertainment industry? Joely Fisher, the actress and singer who starred in the sitcom Ellen and ‘Til Death, is Carrie Fisher’s half-sister and Debbie Reynolds’ stepdaughter. Here’s how they are related and what their relationship was like.
The Eddie Fisher Scandal
Joely Fisher is the daughter of Eddie Fisher, the singer and actor who was married to Debbie Reynolds from 1955 to 1959. Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds were one of the most popular and glamorous couples in Hollywood, and they had two children together: Carrie Fisher (born in 1956) and Todd Fisher (born in 1958). However, their marriage fell apart when Eddie Fisher had an affair with Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Reynolds’ close friend and widow of Mike Todd, who died in a plane crash in 1958. Eddie Fisher left Debbie Reynolds for Elizabeth Taylor, causing a huge scandal that shocked the public and tarnished his reputation. Eddie Fisher and Elizabeth Taylor married in 1959, but divorced in 1964.
The Connie Stevens Marriage
After his divorce from Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher married Connie Stevens, another actress and singer, in 1967. They had two daughters together: Joely Fisher (born in 1967) and Tricia Leigh Fisher (born in 1968). However, their marriage was also short-lived, as they divorced in 1969. Joely Fisher and Tricia Leigh Fisher grew up with their mother, Connie Stevens, and toured the world with her. They also followed her footsteps into show business, both becoming actresses and singers.
The Family Reunion
Joely Fisher and Tricia Leigh Fisher did not have much contact with their father, Eddie Fisher, or their half-siblings, Carrie Fisher and Todd Fisher, for many years. However, they reconnected with them later in life, especially after Eddie Fisher’s health declined. Joely Fisher said that she had a “beautiful relationship” with Carrie Fisher, whom she described as “brilliant” and “hilarious”. She also said that she admired Debbie Reynolds for her resilience and talent. Joely Fisher paid tribute to both Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds on social media after their deaths in December 2016, just one day apart. She wrote: “Some of the magic people have left the tribe…for the moment I am inconsolable…”
Joely Fisher also wrote a guest column for The Hollywood Reporter, where she shared her memories of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. She said that Debbie Reynolds told her she was praying for more time with her daughter before she died of a stroke. She also said that she felt a bond with Carrie Fisher as sisters who shared a “complicated” father. She wrote: “We spent the better part of our adult lives looking for the best parts of him.”
Joely Fisher also appeared on Good Morning America, where she said that she knew Debbie Reynolds would not last without Carrie Fisher. She said: “She kept saying that she was, she wanted more time.”
The Legacy
Joely Fisher is one of the surviving members of a family that has left an indelible mark on Hollywood history. She has continued to work as an actress, singer, producer, and writer. She has also been married to cinematographer Christopher Duddy since 1996, and they have three children together. She has also been elected as secretary-treasurer of SAG-AFTRA, the trade union for actors and performers
Joely Fisher has also written a memoir titled Growing Up Fisher: Musings, Memories, and Misadventures, where she talks about her life as part of a famous family. She said that she wanted to honor her sister Carrie Fisher by being honest and candid about her experiences. She said: “I think what I really learned from my sister is that you tell your truth.”
Joely Fisher is related to Debbie Reynolds by marriage, but she is also connected to her by love and respect. She once said: “She was my stepmother for a minute but she was my friend for life.”
