I posted a tribute to Carrie Fisher yesterday, with no idea that today I’d be posting one about her mother, Debbie Reynolds.
My childhood crush, Debbie broke through to stardom in the film Singin’ in the Rain (possibly the greatest film musical ever made). She was one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars, but was also surprisingly down-to-earth. Our lives crisscrossed without directly connecting – she grew up attending a Nazarene church pastored by my wife’s uncle, and lived just blocks away from where I later worked in Burbank, California – until one day…
Update: To read my dual memoir post about Debbie and Carrie, click here.
Mitch Teemley 
Mitch, how her heart must have broken upon hearing the news of her daughter and having to make funeral arrangements for your child. Let us communally pray for their family as they plan and attend two services.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen, Rick. And, yes, her son Todd said that Carrie’s death did, indeed, hasten her own.
LikeLike
I grew up on musicals. Singin’ in the Rain was always my favorite. Debbie was full of such spirit. I remember reading her autobiography and marvelling over all she had overcome. I also grew up on Star Wars and watching that same spunky spirit in Carrie. I have read of all she had to overcome. They left quite a legacy. My heart hurts for the family. Praying for their strength in the days ahead.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me too, Marisa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful posts Mitch. Both an honour for mother & daughter alike. Though tragic as it seems, I couldn’t help but be struck by the beauty of them travelling together to Heaven. Soulmates of a different kind. Inspiring us all. Renewing our Faith.💎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen, Andrea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A sad loss on both accounts. Debbie was an incredible talent. Carrie never felt she could live up to her mother’s talent or beauty, yet she did both. Her compassion and care throughout a troubled existence is honourable and applaudable. I’m sorry for the lost to the family, which is profound and to those of us who enjoyed and cared about their value.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me too. They’d become particularly close again in recent years. They had much to be proud of in each other’s accomplishments–both in and out of the spotlight.
LikeLike
So true! Debbie Reynolds was a neighbour when I was a kid, much older than I, but I remember her actress aspirations even then. It was more my mother knew her mother thing. She had the drive even then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Uplyftr.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sad but yet “meaningful” that they both left almost at the same time…
A beautiful tribute, dear Mitch…
& Sending best wishes. Happy New Year 2017 to you !!!⭐ 🌹.-
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Aquileana. And a Happy New Year to you, as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very, very sad…..people CAN die of a broken heart and this is one loving, beautiful woman who did…”May the force be with BOTH of them and may they lovingly take care of each other in their next life”…nice piece, Mitch. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, dear Lucie.
LikeLike
I liked Debbie Reynolds very much when I was young. “Tammy,” was a favorite movie of mine. My sister, mother and I went to see her show in Las Vegas years ago. Her performance was wonderful and extremely funny. We got to see her collection of Hollywood memorabilia. I’m sure she never expected to outlive her beloved daughter. I do pray for their family and friends that God will comfort them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I immediately thought back to your wonderful story of how you met them when I heard this sad news.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had no idea that Debbie Reynolds was Carrie Fishers mother! I just don’t pay much attention to those things. It is very sad that Debbie had to see her daughters death. I loved Debbie Reynolds. In fact, when my parents named me, it was her name that gave them the inspiration. At the time, it wasn’t a common name. My favourite movie with Debbie was Tammy. In fact, I had a doll named Tammy and it could have been Debbie Reynolds herself. Anyways, I am sorry to hear the news, but very hopeful to see them both in heaven one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can still hear the sound of “Tammy” in my head. I was closer to Carrie’s age but I confess I never saw “Star Wars”. I saw more of “Mom” as I was growing up. She entertained me in Tammy and the Bachelor, My Six Loves with a young Cliff Robertson, and, very much so, as the Unsinkable Molly Brown.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Me and Princess Leia’s Mom | Mitch Teemley
Pingback: How My Life of Happy Materialism Came to an End | Mitch Teemley
Pingback: Me and Princess Leia’s Mom | Mitch Teemley