Tributes continue to pour in for Debbie Reynolds, the Hollywood icon who passed away last week at the age of 84, this time from one of Canada's top actors: Ryan Gosling.
The star of La La Land honoured the legend in his speech at the Palm Springs Film Festival, saying he and the cast and crew of the film watched Debbie's hit 1952 movie Singin' in the Rain every day during filming. "I wish I could have said this in person but I'd like to thank Debbie Reynolds for her wonderful career of work," Ryan said on stage while accepting the Vanguard award for best ensemble.
"She was an inspiration to us every day. We watched Singin' in the Rain every day for inspiration, a truly unparalleled talent so thank you to her for all that inspiration.
Ryan paid tribute to Debbie during his speech at the Palm Springs Film Festival.
La La Land, which screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September, has quickly become a favourite for this awards season. It stars Ryan alongside his Crazy, Stupid, Love. co-star Emma Stone as a couple who fall in love in Los Angeles while trying to make their big break. Beautifully shot by Damien Chazelle, fans of the film have said it's reminiscent of many of the classic musicals that defined the '40s and '50s, some of which Debbie starred in.
Emma and Ryan perform a series of dance routines in the stunning film.
Debbie passed away of an alleged stroke on Dec. 28, just one day after the tragic death of her daughter, Carrie Fisher, who suffered a heart attack at age 60.
Debbie passed away at the age of 84
Her granddaughter Billie Lourd recently opened up on social media about what it's been like to lose her iconic grandmother and mother within the same week.
"Receiving all of your prayers and kind words over the past week has given me strength during a time I thought strength could not exist," the Scream Queens star wrote on Instagram alongside an old photo of herself posing with Debbie and Carrie. "There are no words to express how much I will miss my Abadaba and my one and only Momby. Your love and support means the world to me."
Sarah Walker is a gal in the know who regularly appears on television and writes for a variety of outlets. Check out her work at sarahkelsey.ca, on Twitter @sarahkelsey, Instagram @sakelsey and Pinterest @sakelsey.
