James Blunt has shared his memories of living with the late Carrie Fisher.
In 2003, the singer relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his career in music when he moved in with the "Star Wars" actor. They met through a girl Blunt was dating whose family was friends with Fisher.
"I was invited to the restaurant 192 in Notting Hill. I was going out with a girl whose parents were family friends of Carrie's and I sat beside her at lunch," he told The Guardian. "I had just got a record deal and was moving to LA. Carrie's first question was, 'What do you do?' I said: 'I've left the Army to go to make an album in LA.' Question No. 2 was, 'Where are you going to live?' I said I didn't know. Her reply — the third thing she ever said to me — was: 'Well, you're going to live with me.' So I did just that."
Blunt went on to recall how his friendship with Fisher developed over the months that ensued.
"For the first month, I didn't see her. I'd get up and her mother, Debbie Reynolds, would shout: 'Hey Charlie — you wanna drink?' and I'd say: 'No, I'm James, thanks very much,' then head to the studio.
"A month later, I started to see Carrie more. I came home one night and sat on the end of her bed and we talked until morning. After that, whenever I got back from the studio I'd go into her room to talk, no matter if it was 11 p.m. or 3 a.m. She became my best, best friend."
Fisher died in December, 2016, at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack. Speaking with The Guardian, Blunt explained that one of the songs of his new album, "Dark Thought," describes his return to that house after her death.
"I put my hand on her gate and started crying. Moments after, one of the open-top Star Map vans that drive tourists around LA turned up," he said. "Over the PA, the guide said: 'On your left, you'll find the late, great Carrie Fisher's house … As you can see, some fans are still deeply moved by her passing.' That was me. I wanted to tell them to f*** off, but eventually found it funny."
Earlier this year, it emerged that Fisher's final film, "Wonderwell," was set for a theatrical and digital release. She had filmed the final scenes weeks before her death.
"Now is the perfect time to share [Fisher's] magical on-screen moments as Hazel," director Vlad Marsavin said at the time, adding that the film will include a dedication to the late actress, according to People.
He explained that it took several years to complete since filming began because of Fisher's unexpected death and the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Carrie was full of energy during filming and even celebrated her 60th birthday with us in Italy where we shot the movie," Marsavin recalled of working with the star.
"After a night shoot, which went on until 2 a.m., she invited the whole team to celebrate with her, and the party ended up being shut down by the police because it was deemed a little too loud. Her passing was very emotional for the whole team."
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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