In 2015 I got to meet and take a photo with one of my heroes–the smart, funny, fabulous Carrie Fisher. It’s a moment I will always treasure, and a picture that always makes me smile.
When I heard that the Carrie Fisher was going to be coming to Indiana ComicCon in 2015, I immediately decided I was going to the event. I also decided to try my first cosplay at the time, I made my costume (Endor Leia) and documented the experience for RetroZap.com.
Once I got to the convention center, I first went and got my ticket for my photo with Carrie. I don’t even remember how much it cost, I was too excited. I recall standing in line with my brother, waiting to meet her, and just saying over and over, “We get to meet Princess Leia!”. It really was surreal; big name stars normally don’t attend conventions in smaller places like Indiana.
As I got to the front of the line, I pulled back the curtain where Carrie was. I was waved into the small enclosed area, ready to meet my hero. When I walked in I’ll never forget what Carrie did–she saw my costume and did a double take! I’m thinking she probably didn’t see many Endor Leia cosplayers. I was pretty nervous, and don’t remember saying anything to her except that her dog, Gary, was very cute. As we readied for the picture, she suddenly grabbed me around the neck and pulled me close for the shot! I was flabbergasted, and in the photo you can see I wasn’t prepared for her to do that–my hand looks funny and my smile is sort-of goofy.
Then it was over. Carrie was so nice talking to people and genuinely seemed happy to be there. I do know she called my brother handsome (he was behind me in line). So sweet! It’s a picture I cherish so much now since we lost Carrie in 2016. It’s something that will always, always make me smile.
Courtney Martin is a graduate of Indiana University and works in publishing. She’s an avid Star Wars fan and wrote the recipe blog Courtney Cooks Star Wars on suvudu.com. When not enveloped a science fiction or fantasy novel, she is watching television with her husband and son, doing crossword puzzles, or playing with her Shih Tzu, Burt.