Carrie Fisher and Paul Simon were one of the most intense and complicated couples in Hollywood history. Their relationship spanned over a decade, with numerous breakups, reconciliations, and public fights. Fisher, the daughter of Hollywood royalty Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, was already a star in her own right when she met Simon, a singer-songwriter known for his hits with Simon & Garfunkel.
Their romance began in 1977 when Fisher was just 19 and Simon was 36 and married to his first wife, Peggy Harper. They met at a party hosted by mutual friend Lorne Michaels, the creator of “Saturday Night Live.” Simon was immediately smitten with Fisher, who was just starting her acting career with her breakout role as Princess Leia in “Star Wars.” Despite the age difference and Simon’s marriage, the two began a passionate and tumultuous relationship that would last on and off for more than a decade.
Fisher and Simon’s relationship was marked by intense love, frequent fights, and bouts of infidelity on both sides. They broke up and got back together several times, with Fisher once famously saying, “We’re like a couple of nervous breakdowns waiting to happen.” Simon’s song “Hearts and Bones” was reportedly inspired by their relationship and breakup.
Despite the challenges, Fisher and Simon remained connected throughout the years, even after their romantic relationship ended for good in 1983. They continued to support each other’s work and remained close friends until Fisher’s untimely death in 2016.
In her memoir “The Princess Diarist,” Fisher revealed that she had written in her diary about her relationship with Simon during the filming of “Star Wars.” She also mentioned that the title of the book was inspired by a song Simon had written about her.
After their relationship ended, Carrie Fisher and Paul Simon went on to lead separate lives. Fisher continued acting and writing, including publishing several memoirs, while also speaking out about mental health issues and advocating for awareness and treatment. She was also an avid activist, speaking out on various political and social issues.
Simon continued his successful music career and continued to release albums, including his critically acclaimed album “Graceland” in 1986. He also continued to tour extensively and collaborate with other artists. In their later years, Fisher and Simon remained friendly, with Fisher even dedicating her 2011 memoir “Shockaholic” to him. Simon attended Fisher’s private memorial service after her death in 2016.
The intense relationship between Carrie Fisher and Paul Simon is a testament to the power of love and the complexity of human emotions. Despite the challenges they faced, their connection endured and they remained a significant part of each other’s lives until the very end.
