Billie Lourd honors Carrie Fisher by forging a heartfelt family tradition: introducing her young children to the world of Star Wars. Nine years after Fisher’s passing at age 60, Lourd continues to celebrate her mother’s iconic role as Princess Leia, sharing these classic films with son Kingston and daughter Jackson and keeping Fisher’s legacy front and center in her family’s life.
Introducing the Next Generation to Princess Leia
During a recent interview, the Scream Queens alum described how significant it was to watch Star Wars with her children for the first time. Initially, her kids expressed surprise and confusion seeing their late grandmother on screen as such a legendary character.
“A year ago, I showed them [Return of the] Jedi for the first time, and they were a little bit confused,”
Billie Lourd explained about her children with Austen Rydell.
“They’re like, ‘Wait, that’s my grandma?’ Like, ‘No, that’s Princess Leia, your grandma’s Carrie, but that’s Princess Leia.’”
— Billie Lourd, Actress and Mother
Despite their questions, Billie noted that her kids were captivated by the movie experience, underscoring how powerful these moments can be to bridge the gap between generations.
“I sat behind them and cried while they watched it.”
— Billie Lourd, Actress and Mother
Revisiting her mother’s performances, especially as Princess Leia, holds a profound meaning for Lourd, who described showing the films as a personal family treasure.
“It’s like the ultimate high-budget home movie. For me to get to have those things and to get to show them my mom in those movies is so special.”
— Billie Lourd, Actress and Mother
Embracing Carrie Fisher’s Memory Through Creative Projects
Billie Lourd’s passion for Star Wars has been further rekindled through a collaboration with Lucasfilm on an Endor-themed photo shoot for a new Columbia and Star Wars collection. This creative project involved Lourd wearing her mother’s memorable costumes and participating in scenes inspired by Return of the Jedi, recreating some of the saga’s most memorable moments.
“Princess Leia, the layered warrior woman with strength beyond her gender that my mother created, truly stands the test of time and informs my strength as a woman and a mother every day.”
— Billie Lourd, Actress and Mother
A particularly touching instant occurred when Lourd recreated Leia’s cherished encounter with the Ewoks alongside her own child, outfitted in a fluffy Ewok costume, blending nostalgia with the joy of family.
“The Leia Ewok scene in Return of the Jedi is one of my favorite scenes of all time so the minute I saw the Ewok onesie, I screamed like a 3-year-old,”
she recounted.
“Then my actual 3-year-old put it on and I screamed even louder… The moment she put it on she had the biggest smile on her face.”
— Billie Lourd, Actress and Mother
Symbols and Reminders of Fisher’s Presence
Beyond the screen, Billie Lourd finds comfort and connection by carrying a piece of her mother during meaningful moments. She shared that she wears a unique ring of Fisher’s whenever she wishes to feel her mother’s presence while engaging in important activities such as this monumental photo shoot.
“My mother wore this incredible ring that looks like it glows from the inside out in the last years of her life and whenever I am doing something that reminds me of her or feels important I like to wear it,”
said Lourd.
“When I have it on and look down at it, I feel like she is with me in some way.”
— Billie Lourd, Actress and Mother
Reflecting on the peaceful setting of the Redwoods, where the campaign took place, she added:
“In the Redwoods, her presence truly felt ever present every time I looked up at the trees or looked down at the ring on my finger.”
— Billie Lourd, Actress and Mother
The Family’s Star Wars Connection and a Powerful Legacy
Earlier this year, Lourd shared an emotional photograph capturing her children watching Fisher in Return of the Jedi, underscoring the generational passage of the Star Wars heritage. She referenced the beloved Star Wars Day in a lighthearted caption:
“May the Fourth be with you,”
she wrote, blending affection and tradition with a nod to the famous line,
“May the Force be with you.”
As a pop culture icon, Carrie Fisher’s remarkable legacy as Princess Leia Organa has left a permanent mark on the Star Wars universe and the hearts of fans worldwide. When the film franchise returned with The Force Awakens in 2015, Fisher once again portrayed Leia, and Lourd herself became part of the saga as Lieutenant Connix. Following Fisher’s passing, previously filmed and archival footage allowed Fisher’s Leia to remain an integral part of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, with Lourd reprising her role—an experience she has openly discussed as emotionally challenging but deeply meaningful.
Reflections on Grief and Purpose in Star Wars
Prior to the release of The Rise of Skywalker, Billie Lourd wrote candidly about the bittersweet experience of returning to the beloved franchise without her mother. She recalled making a difficult but necessary choice in memory of Fisher and all those inspired by Princess Leia.
“I knew it would be one of the most painful, difficult things I would ever do, but I said yes for her — for my mom,”
she reflected.
“For Leia. For everyone Leia means so much to. For everyone Leia gives strength to.”
— Billie Lourd, Actress and Mother
The Ongoing Strength of Family and Fandom
Billie Lourd’s dedication ensures that Carrie Fisher’s influence and the spirit of Princess Leia continue to shine, not only within their family but across generations of Star Wars fans. As Lourd introduces her children to the magic of Star Wars, she not only keeps Fisher’s memory alive but also passes on the inspiration, courage, and joy that defined Fisher and her iconic character to a new era.
