An Infamous Opinion

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Infamous Entertainment
An Infamous Opinion
Brendan Philips

🎤 COMEDY NIGHT – THURSDAY, JULY 3
📍 Medici Lounge | 172 Pine Street, Providence, RI
🕖 7:00 PM Doors | 7:30 PM Show

As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, there’s no better way to come together than through laughter — and no better place to do it than Medici Lounge, the current jewel of the downtown Providence nightlife scene.

Headlined by the razor-sharp Peter Liu, with Dan Bomba, Ryan Ellington, and Chris Kinback bringing the heat — this lineup is stacked with real-deal comedians who know how to deliver a night to remember.

INFAMOUS is proud to support this event. Men’s mental health matters, and this is a cause close to my heart. So let’s show up, laugh hard, and be part of something bigger than just a night out.

Medici is a friend to INFAMOUS — and we love the staff, the space, and the energy they bring. Let’s keep the momentum rolling from last week and pack the house this Thursday.

💜 Real laughs.
💜 Real connection.
💜 Real reasons to show up.

See you there.

📲 Scan the QR code to grab details and reserve your spot.




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An Infamous Opinion: The Five Actresses Who Could Have Rewritten Leia Organa’s Legacy
By
Brendan Philips

The galaxy far, far away is iconic, but let’s be honest: was Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia really the irreplaceable spark of the rebellion? Sure, her performance was memorable, but for a mission so crucial—rescuing a princess to save the galaxy—Leia sometimes felt more like a sarcastic bystander than a truly magnetic leader.

Here’s the real question: could someone else have played Leia better? We’re diving into the what ifs of Hollywood history with five actresses who were poised to bring Leia Organa a gravitas and charm that could’ve elevated her from bossy diplomat to unforgettable rebel icon.

The criteria: actresses who, in or around 1977, had the age and talent to make Leia a force worth saving. These are women who demonstrated the acting chops—either in roles they had done by then or would eventually take on—that show they could have brought unique depth to the princess of Alderaan.

1. Sigourney Weaver

Why She Could’ve Nailed It:
Sigourney Weaver would become synonymous with sci-fi royalty a couple of years later in Alien (1979), portraying the iconic Ellen Ripley. Her ability to command the screen with authority and subtle vulnerability would have made her a natural fit for Princess Leia.

What She’d Bring to Leia:
Weaver’s Leia wouldn’t just talk about rebellion—she’d embody it. Her performance would have balanced cool-headed strategy with moments of emotional resonance, making her the kind of leader people want to rally around. Weaver’s gravitas could have turned Leia into the undisputed heart of the rebellion. Forget arguing with Han—he’d be following her orders without a second thought.

2. Kathleen Turner

Why She Could’ve Nailed It:
Kathleen Turner, with her deep voice, commanding screen presence, and no-nonsense attitude, would later dominate films like Body Heat (1981) and Romancing the Stone (1984). Her natural charisma could have added a fiery edge to Leia’s character.

What She’d Bring to Leia:
Turner’s Leia would have turned up the heat in Star Wars. She could have taken Leia’s sarcastic energy and infused it with a smoldering confidence, creating a character who doesn’t just spar with Han but owns every scene they share. Her Leia would have been both sultry and commanding—a princess who doesn’t ask for respect but demands it effortlessly.

3. Kirstie Alley

Why She Could’ve Nailed It:
Before becoming a household name in Cheers and taking on the role of Saavik in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), Kirstie Alley had already demonstrated a knack for blending sarcasm with vulnerability.

What She’d Bring to Leia:
Alley’s natural wit would have made Leia’s sharp tongue more likable and less abrasive. Her version of Leia could have brought a playful energy to the rebellion while still exuding confidence. Alley’s Leia wouldn’t have just barked orders—she’d have made it clear she was smarter than anyone in the room. Her banter with Han Solo would have been electric, and she’d likely steal the spotlight every time.

4. Beverly D’Angelo

Why She Could’ve Nailed It:
By 1977, Beverly D’Angelo was already making waves with her scene-stealing charm and wit. She’d later shine in National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983), where her comedic timing and charisma made her unforgettable.

What She’d Bring to Leia:
D’Angelo’s Leia would have been less stiff and more naturally charming. Her street-smart energy and playful demeanor could have brought a refreshing twist to the role. Instead of bossing Han Solo around, she’d disarm him with a smirk and a clever line. D’Angelo’s portrayal would have made Leia a character who doesn’t just lead by authority but wins allies with wit and warmth.

5. Sissy Spacek

Why She Could’ve Nailed It:
Fresh off her Oscar-nominated performance in Carrie (1976), Sissy Spacek had already proven her ability to bring vulnerability and intensity to the screen. Her understated style and emotional depth could have transformed Leia into a more complex and relatable figure.

What She’d Bring to Leia:
Spacek’s Leia would have been a quieter, more emotionally layered leader. Instead of relying on sarcasm, her performance could have added a sense of inner conflict and resilience, making the stakes of the rebellion feel more personal. Her interactions with Han and Luke would have carried more emotional weight, creating a Leia who felt genuinely human in the face of galactic conflict.

The Final Word: A Galaxy of Possibilities

Carrie Fisher will forever be Princess Leia, but reimagining the role in the hands of these talented actresses offers a fascinating “what if.” Each of these women could have brought something unique to Leia—whether it was Weaver’s commanding presence, Turner’s sultry fire, Alley’s sharp wit, D’Angelo’s charm, or Spacek’s emotional depth.

Would the galaxy have been better off with a different Leia? That’s a debate for the ages. But one thing’s for sure: with any of these actresses in the role, we might not even be asking if Leia was worth saving—we’d already be on our way to Alderaan.

What do you think? Would one of these alternate Leias have stolen the show—or does Fisher’s portrayal remain unbeatable? Sound off, but keep the stormtroopers out of it.

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