For millions of fans, Carrie Fisher will always be Princess Leia, a pop culture icon whose influence still echoes through modern cinema. Yet limiting her legacy to a single galaxy overlooks a career defined by sharp intelligence, fearless vulnerability, and a knack for elevating every project she touched. As we mark nine years since her passing, it’s worth revisiting the performances that showcased her depth and range beyond the role that made her immortal.
Shampoo (1975)
Source: IMDb
In her feature film debut, Fisher held her own among Hollywood heavyweights in this satirical comedy about the 1960s sexual revolution, introducing audiences to her natural charisma and comic instincts long before she became a household name.
The Blues Brothers (1980)
As the mysterious “Mystery Woman,” Fisher brought wild energy and a mischievous edge to this cult classic, proving she could steal scenes with a glance or a raised eyebrow alongside John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
The Man with One Red Shoe (1985)
In The Man with One Red Shoe, Carrie Fisher plays Paula, the eccentric flautist and wife of Richard’s friend. Her comedic pursuit of Richard (Tom Hanks) creates a series of compromising situations that the CIA—who are already surveilling Richard—hilariously misinterpret as high-stakes espionage activity.
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
Fisher’s nuanced portrayal of April in Woody Allen’s ensemble dramedy highlighted her dramatic range. By playing the competitive, musical-theater rival to Dianne Wiest’s character, she blended humor with a cold-eyed vulnerability, proving she could thrive in one of the decade’s most intellectually demanding ensemble pieces.
The ‘Burbs (1989)
As the perceptive and quick-witted wife in this suburban comedy thriller, Fisher injected sharp comic timing and ageless charm into a role that balanced everyday absurdity with quirky satire.
When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
Source: IMDb
Perhaps her most recognizable non-Star Wars role, Fisher’s Marie was the candid, hilarious best friend whose blunt observations and chemistry with the leads helped anchor this quintessential romantic comedy.
Soapdish (1991)
In this biting behind-the-scenes satire of daytime television, Fisher owned every scene she was in as the brash, cigarette-voiced casting director Betsy Faye Sharon. She delivered her dialogue with delicious relish and comic precision, perfectly capturing the cynical heart of the entertainment industry she knew so well.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
Fisher’s uncredited cameo as a therapist for Dr. Evil and his son allowed her to lean into her signature deadpan delivery. By acting as the “straight man” to Mike Myers’ absurd comedy, she provided the film’s most grounded—and arguably funniest—moment, cementing her status as the queen of the modern cameo.
30 Rock (2007)
Her guest appearance as Rosemary, a pioneering comedy writer, earned critical praise and a Primetime Emmy nomination, showcasing Fisher’s ability to blend razor-sharp humor with poignant reflection on comedy itself.
Catastrophe (2015–2019)
Source: IMDb
In her final television role, Fisher’s turn as Mia—the acerbic, boundary-pushing mother—was a masterclass in spiky, contemporary sitcom comedy. Her performance, which earned a posthumous Emmy nomination, served as a poignant final reminder that her wit remained as sharp and relevant as ever until the very end.
