Show biz memoirs by children of celebrities often fall into one of three categories: vindictive, like B.D. Hyman's "My Mother's Keeper," about Bette Davis; iconoclastic and vicious, such as Christina Crawford's largely discredited attack on Joan Crawford, "Mommie Dearest"; or whiny and entitled, like Maria Riva's account of Marlene Dietrich. Fortunately, Todd Fisher's fascinating "My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie" (William Morrow, $27.99) is none of those.
"Carrie" was older sister Carrie Fisher (1956-2016), famous as Princess Leia in the "Star Wars" franchise and a successful writer. "Debbie" was his mother, classic Hollywood studio star Debbie Reynolds (1932-2016). "Father" was 1950s pop singer Eddie Fisher, who left Reynolds in 1959 to marry the recently widowed Elizabeth Taylor, one of the decade's great scandals. Todd (b. 1958) hardly knew Fisher, but grew up feeling protective and proud of his "girls."
Reynolds' second husband, wealthy shoe-magnate Harry Karl, was the closest to a father figure Todd had. Karl and Reynolds, wed from 1960-74, lived in a grand home that required a large staff, including a nanny for Carrie and Todd. Karl, a gambler and womanizer, squandered his fortune and his wife's. By the time Reynolds learned the truth, she was nearly broke. She was making fewer films, but her nightclub act was very successful. Frequent TV appearances supplemented her income. Her third husband, self-styled entrepreneur Richard Hamlett, also stole from her during their marriage (1984-96). She collected less than 10% of the millions he owed her.
Reynolds made the children a key part of her busy life. She gave them unconditional love, kept her parents and brother central to their lives, and remained resilient. When they were too young to be in school and she was shooting on location, they were there, under the care of her mother.
For years, Carrie suffered from undiagnosed bi-polar disorder. She also developed addictions that contributed to her unstable behavior. Reynolds' relationship with Carrie was often stressful, but she consistently offered support and love, which her daughter ultimately welcomed.
Carrie was briefly married to Paul Simon. She and talent agent Bryan Lourd lived together and had a daughter, Billie. Carrie was devastated when they broke up after Lourd told her he was gay, but they became close friends, and he has been an excellent father.
Todd wasn't interested in performing, but was fascinated by the behind-the-camera aspects of movies, including cinematography and directing. He designed the lighting and sound systems for the Debbie Reynolds Hotel and Casino in Nevada, where she performed for SRO audiences. He became the CEO and CFO of the business, and discovered how Hamlett had fleeced his mother while cheating on her with a long-term mistress.
The Reynolds family motto was "There's no such thing as can't," and Todd was often reminded of it when facing challenges both his "girls" presented. His first marriage ended in divorce. His second wife died. He has been happily married to actress Catherine Hickland since 2012.
Baby boomers will enjoy reading about Reynolds' friendship with a remorseful Taylor following the latter's leaving Fisher for Richard Burton in 1963. To help sell Carrie's script "These Old Broads" (2001) to TV, Taylor agreed to appear in it, despite nearly immobilizing back pain. She and Reynolds had a funny scene trashing the ex-husband they had in common. Later, both were in Manhattan following the 9/11 attacks. Taylor invited Reynolds to stay with her at the Pierre. Commercial flights were grounded. Reynolds was facing cancellation of a show in San Diego. Taylor called her ex-husband, Virginia Sen. John Warner, who arranged for a private jet to fly them to California. Reynolds arrived at the theatre half an hour before the performance. In her will, Taylor left Reynolds a sensational suite of diamond and sapphire jewelry.
A recurring saga in the book is Reynolds' unsuccessful attempts to open a museum for her magnificent collection of Hollywood costumes, including Marilyn Monroe's dress from "The Seven Year Itch," Judy Garland's ruby red slippers from "The Wizard of Oz," and Audrey Hepburn's Ascot Ball gown from "My Fair Lady." That failure ultimately became a blessing. She auctioned off the collection, grossing over $20 million, finally freeing herself of debt.
Carrie, unable to completely give up drugs, practiced harm reduction, using small amounts. But years of abuse resulted in her having a heart attack on a plane while flying home. She died the next day. Reynolds, who lived next door in a house Carrie bought for her, was recovering from a stroke suffered a year earlier. She clearly grasped the horror of Carrie's death. Fisher denies that she died the next day of a broken heart. He insists she willed herself to die so that Carrie wouldn't be alone.
Fisher inherited his mother's resiliency. His grief at the double loss of his "girls" was profound. He had so often supported them during the many difficult times they faced as a family, which is what he says they were. They were united in good and bad times. Fisher has moved on with his life. It's clear he misses his "girls," but he also realizes how lucky he was to have had such a mother and sister.
The book includes many excellent photographs, but would have benefitted from an index. Written with Lindsay Harrison, it's a memorable read.