“Halloweentown’s” Marnie (aka, Kimberly J. Brown) wrote a tribute to Debbie Reynolds that will break you

For most people, Debbie Reynolds is remembered for her legendary performances in Singin’ in the Rain, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and Tammy and the Bachelor. For those growing up in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Reynolds was also the coolest grandmother on television (aka, Aggie Cromwell in Disney Channel’s Halloweentown movies). As news broke of Reynolds’ death, a day after her daughter Carrie Fisher passed away, fans and former co-stars alike remembered Reynolds’ storied career in Hollywood. Kimberly J. Brown, who starred in three Halloweentown films with Reynolds, wrote a touching tribute to her former co-star, along with a photo of the two in costume.

In the lengthy post, Brown, spoke of working with Reynolds on the three Halloweentown films. She wrote,

“Debbie lived her life like all of us should, to the fullest. She was bold, funny, and had the biggest heart. Her sparkly smile warmed every room she was in, and her jokes about her amazing career and life would make your stomach hurt with laughter. Making people happy through her performing was her favorite thing to do, and she showed me at a young age what a gift it is to be able to do that for people.

Brown was only fourteen when she played Marnie Piper in the 1998 film Halloweentown, just a few years younger than Reynolds was when she starred in Singin’ In the Rain. It’s clear that Reynolds’ guidance was incredibly impactful for Brown. She ended the tribute writing,

“'Being normal is vastly overrated' is a quote from Halloweentown, and how fitting it is that her character spoke it. Her generosity, talent, and loving spirit made her anything but normal. Thanks for the magic, Debbie."

Debbie Reynolds’ lengthy and storied film and stage career shaped the lives of millions of fans for generations. While we’ll always be in awe of her voice and incredible dancing, she’s also always be the witch grandmother we all wished we had.