Billie Lourd Reveals How Her Grandmother Debbie Reynolds Felt About Eddie Fisher’s Affair with Elizabeth Taylor

Billie Lourd has opened up about her familial ties to Hollywood legends Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher, offering insights into her grandmother’s humorous take on her tumultuous divorce from Eddie Fisher following his affair with Elizabeth Taylor. In a recent interview with The Times, published on 19 September, the 34-year-old actress expressed gratitude for her illustrious lineage but also reflected on the complexities that it entails.

Reynolds and Fisher, who married in 1955, experienced a highly publicised split in 1959 when Fisher left Reynolds for Taylor. Lourd recalled that her grandmother often used to recount the separation as part of her storytelling. “That was one of my grandma’s favourite bedtime stories,” Lourd shared, recalling how Reynolds would joke about their life before the divorce. “You know, dear, we used to have a house in Palm Springs. But then there was the divorce from Eddie…”

At the height of the scandal, Elizabeth Taylor famously stated, “What do you expect me to do, sleep alone?” Their affair began soon after the actress was widowed following the tragic death of her third husband, film producer Mike Todd, in a plane crash in 1958. Fisher and Taylor married in 1959, remaining together until 1964, when Taylor’s liaison with Richard Burton further destabilised their relationship.

Reflecting on the bittersweet memories of her family’s past, Lourd’s brother, Todd Fisher, often shares insights into their parents’ happier times. He recently posted a nostalgic photo of Reynolds and Fisher celebrating New Year’s Day in 1955, which evoked fond memories of their early love. In the Instagram caption, Todd noted, “I don’t know if I ever saw her this happy, if only for a moment.”

Despite the ups and downs within her family history, Lourd embraces her Hollywood heritage. “They really were two of the most talented women of all time, and I feel so lucky to live under their glittery umbrellas,” she remarked in her interview. Initially hesitant to accept her lineage, Lourd now proudly identifies as both Carrie Fisher’s daughter and Debbie Reynolds’s granddaughter.

Lourd continues to celebrate her family’s legacy in various ways. On 4 May, known to fans as “Star Wars Day,” she shared a heartfelt moment on social media. A photograph captured her young son Kingston and daughter Jackson watching the original Star Wars film from 1977, featuring Fisher as the iconic Princess Leia. This gesture reflects Lourd’s efforts to keep her mother’s memory alive, particularly in light of Fisher’s passing in December 2016 following a cardiac arrest.

Currently, Lourd has been making strides in her own acting career, starring in HBO’s American Horror Story: 13 and Netflix’s Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story. Following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, she aims to pave her own way while still honouring the incredible legacies of her family.

The intertwining stories of love, loss, and success within the Fisher-Reynolds line reveal the complexities often hidden behind the glitz of Hollywood. Despite the public fallout from their past, Lourd remains inspired by the artistry and resilience of her mother and grandmother, carving her own identity amidst the splendour of her heritage.

As she reflects on her family history, Lourd’s narrative unveils not only the struggles encountered by her predecessors but also the strength that has emerged from them. In sharing these stories, she not only celebrates her family’s accomplishments but also acknowledges the lessons learned from their experiences in the limelight.

As Billie Lourd continues to navigate her own path in the entertainment industry, her reflections serve as a reminder of the enduring bonds that transcend generations. With a keen awareness of her roots and a bright outlook for the future, Lourd embodies the essence of both Reynolds and Fisher.