By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)
There is no way around it: 2016 was a kick in the gut for American pop culture.
Still, despite the passing of numerous legends of sport, film and music, none hit home harder with me than yesterday's news of Carrie Fisher's death of a heart attack at the age of 60.
Like most, I was introduced to Fisher as the iconic Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy, and I don't think there's any question that Fisher's portrayal of the galaxy's most beloved princess changed American cinema and pop culture forever.
With a blaster at her side and no time to waste, Fisher turned the clichéd "damsel in distress" trope on its head, refusing to be captured without a fight, mouthing off to the most feared baddies in the galaxy, and seizing control of the situation when her would-be rescuers ran out of ideas.
Of course, Fisher was much more than just Princess Leia. She was an ally for those dealing with mental health issues, as she openly discussed her battle with bipolar disorder, and urged people dealing with mental illness to seek help, rather than live in shame and self-medicate.
She did much of the same for those dealing with addiction, as she was never one to shy away from discussing her battles with drugs and alcohol. Above all, Fisher was unapologetically herself, and encouraged us to be the same.
