This is What’s Trending Today.
Many people have been reacting to the news of Carrie Fisher’s death on Tuesday. Fisher died at the age of 60. She was best known for acting in the Star Wars movies in which she played Princess Leia.
Then, Fisher’s mother, actress Debbie Reynolds died because of complications from a stroke.
Reynolds was 84. She was a star actress and singer starting in the 1950s.
Her son, and Fisher’s brother, Todd, confirmed the news to reporters late Wednesday.
Reynolds won her first big part at the age of 19 in the 1952 film “Singin’ in the Rain.”
She acted and danced with Gene Kelly, who was one of the most popular performers of that time.
She made news in 1955 when she married singer Eddie Fisher. They had two children, Carrie and Todd.
Three years later, Fisher left Reynolds and married actress Elizabeth Taylor. It was the sensational Hollywood love triangle of the time.
Reynolds was nominated for an Academy Award, known as an Oscar, for her part in the 1964 film “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”
After the 1960s, Reynolds had fewer film roles, but still appeared often on television.
Many people used social media to express their sadness upon hearing the news.
They could not believe Reynolds died one day after her daughter.
There is a Twitter account for Fisher’s dog, Gary. It is run by a fan. The person tweeted a picture of Reynolds and Fisher, writing “they don’t make ‘em like this anymore.”
Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres wrote: “I can’t imagine what Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds’ family are going through this week. I send all of my love.”
Actor William Shatner is best known for his role as Captain Kirk in the Star Trek series. He wrote: “Debbie Reynolds was one of the last of Hollywood Royalty. It breaks my heart that she is gone. I’d hoped that my grieving was done for 2016.”
Other fans posted tributes to the women. Some made videos showing Reynolds’ work as dancer, like this clip of Reynolds performing with Donald O’Connor in the film “I Love Melvin” from 1953.
And a French artist posted an illustration of Reynolds and Fisher holding hands, dressed in their costumes from “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Star Wars.”
And that’s What’s Trending Today.
Words in This Story
stroke – n. a serious illness caused when a blood vessel in your brain suddenly breaks or is blocked
sensational – adj. causing very great excitement or interest with shocking details
love triangle – n. a situation in which two people are competing for the love of another
unsinkable – exp. unable to be stopped or pushed down
transition – n. a change from one state or condition to another
role –n. the character or part played by an actor or actress
account – n. an arrangement in which a person uses the Internet or e-mail services of a particular company
grieve – v. to feel or show grief or sadness
tribute – n. something that you say, give, or do to show respect or affection for someone
clip – n. a short section of a movie, TV show, etc.
illustration – n. a picture or drawing in a book, magazine, etc.
costume – n. the clothes that are worn by someone (such as an actor) who is trying to look like a different person or thing