10 Ways Carrie Fisher Made an Impact On- & Off-Screen

2016 has arguably been one of the worst years, and the loss of Carrie Fisher just adds to the growing list of reasons why. Over the course of several decades, Carrie became one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses, most notably for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars films. In addition to her part in the massive franchise, there are plently of other on-screen and off-screen reasons why Carrie will be dearly missed.

1. Carrie spoke openly about her mental health struggles. 

2. She wasn't afraid to tackle body-shaming trolls.

3. Even when guest-starring on programs like 30 Rock, she still stole the show.

4. The impact of Princess Leia's signature buns extended to her daughter, Billie Lourd, who decided that her Scream Queens character should wear earmuffs as a nod to her family's legacy. 

5. In her 1987 book titled Postcards From the Edge, Carrie allowed herself to be vulnerable by providing detailed accounts of her drug addiction. The book was later adapted into a movie with the same name.

6. Carrie also gave fans an in-depth look at her time on the set of her films in her most recent book, The Princess Diarist.

7. Let's not forget that she had no problem sassing interviewers.

8. Her sense of humor was reflected not only in her acting roles and interviews, but also through her tweets.

9. When she felt that her Star Wars character needed some changes, she altered her script accordingly.

10. She also refused to get paid for her role in a movie, instead requesting payment in the form of two large, beaver chairs.

Regardless of what people said about her, Carrie was always herself—eccentric, empowering, creative and inspiring.