Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds was a lifelong collector of Hollywood memorabilia who was forced to sell off the majority of her massive collection in a series of auctions after she failed to partner with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to find a home for the home in their future Los Angeles museum.
Between 2011 and 2014, the auctions raised over $50 million and while her daughter, Carrie Fisher, assisted with the organization and coordination of all three sales events, fans may not have been aware that Fisher also had her own huge collection of show business history.
On September 23rd, more than 1,500 items from Fisher's collection will be up for sale for the first time, alongside what remains of her mother's prized possessions.
"Star Wars" and classic Hollywood items for sale
After Fisher made her name and kick-started her career in 1977's "Star Wars," she began collecting items from the film franchise, especially depictions of her character, Princess Leia. Some of the "Star Wars" elements expected to be listed in the auction are Fisher's personal, original 1978 Star Wars Princess Leia action figure, a life-size "Princess Leia with blaster" statue in a vintage wooden phone booth that was featured prominently in Fisher's home, and a life-size C-3PO replica.
Much of Reynolds' collection was comprised on classic movie costumes, including Marilyn Monroe's infamous Subway Dress and Judy Garland's original gingham dress from "The Wizard of Oz." Both of those dresses sold in prior auctions, with Monroe's ivory cocktail frock earning more than $5 million. In September's sale, fans can expect to see a number of costumes worn by Reynolds during her own 6-decade career.
Dresses
In September's sale, fans can expect to see a number of costumes worn by Reynolds during her own 6-decade career. Dresses are worn in some of her most famous movies, like "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," "Singin' in the Rain," and "Annie Get Your Gun" have all been listed by the auction sales company.
Sales proceeds will go to charity
The September sale will be handled by Profiles in History, the Hollywood auction house that lists Reynolds' past sales among its most profitable. The company's CEO, Joe Maddalena, said in a statement announcing the upcoming auction that he was a longtime friend of both Fisher and Reynolds and he hopes the sale will bring closure to fans after the pair's sudden passing in late 2016. "I hope fans from around the world have an opportunity to acquire a memento from their remarkable lives and careers. They are both missed."
A portion of the auction proceeds will be donated to a pair of mental health charities. The Thalians is a Hollywood-based charity, created by actors to support those with mental health concerns, including the mental health of military men and women and their families.
Reynolds served on the group's board for more than 52 years. The Jed Foundation works with American youth to prevent suicide and promote mental health. It was chosen to be a monetary recipient by Fisher's daughter Billie Lourd.
