Actresses, leaders, sources of inspiration—and true Girl Scouts. This week, the world had to say goodbye to two phenomenal women who exemplify what it is to be a G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™: Debbie Reynolds and her daughter, Carrie Fisher.
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| Debbie Reynolds in her Girl Scout uniform. Getty Images via CNN |
Debbie Reynolds had a humble upbringing and was a supporter of Girl Scouts from the very beginning. A Girl Scout herself, she earned more than 42 badges and even joked that she wanted to become the world’s oldest living Girl Scout.Troop leader of her daughter’s and stepdaughter’s troop, Reynolds participated in the Girl Scout Piper Project, a three-year program launched at the National Council meeting (referring to Girl Scouts’ national convention) in 1966 to encourage more girls to participate in Girl Scouts. As honorary national piper, she shared her Girl Scout experience through her song “Follow the Piper.”
Reynolds’ Girl Scout experience even came in handy the day she met her Singin’ in the Rain costar, Gene Kelly. Unaware that she had no real dance experience, Kelly asked her if she could do a time-step, and she happily replied, “Yes, I learned it at Girl Scout camp!”1 Singin’ in the Rain became one of Reynolds’ most challenging experiences, but her hard work and dedication earned her instant fame and led to renowned roles in films such as The Unsinkable Molly Brown, How the West Was Won, and Mother.
Later in her acting career, Reynolds was asked by a friend, “When are you going to get over being a Girl Scout?” And her response? “Never. I like being a Girl Scout.”
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| Carrie Fisher Getty Images, via Yahoo |
When she wasn’t leading secret missions, befriending Ewoks, or saving the galaxy, Carrie Fisher was a writer and producer, an advocate for mental health and drug abuse awareness, and a force for female empowerment.Known as the family bookworm, Fisher spent much of her childhood reading classic literature and writing poetry. She was introduced to acting and singing at the age of 15, performing as a debutante in the Broadway revival Irene, alongside her mother. After spending 18 months at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, Fisher was accepted into Sarah Lawrence College, though she didn’t graduate due to her taking on the role of Princess Leia Organa in Star Wars.
Her success as the fearless princess (and later general) of the Star Wars saga led Fisher to roles in The Blues Brothers, Hannah and Her Sisters, and When Harry Met Sally. She also never left her love of writing, penning several semi-autobiographical novels and successful screenplays—one of which, These Old Broads, starred her mother along with Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Collins, and Shirley MacLaine.
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| Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher Ron Galella/WireImage, via ENews |
We applaud and will always fondly remember Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher as original go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders who inspire girls to work hard and never give up in achieving their dreams. Rest in peace, Girl Scouts.
1: “7 Fun Facts About the Unsinkable Debbie Reynolds,” Biography.com
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. 