Debbie Reynolds died on Wednesday at the age of 84, but many thought Disney Channel star Debby Ryan had passed away instead.
So many, in fact, that the 23-year-old star of “Jessie” had to take to social media to reassure her fans that she is alive and well — and shouldn’t be confused with the star of classic Hollywood movies like “Singin’ in the Rain” and mother of “Star Wars” icon Carrie Fisher.
“No… guys, that’s very thoughtful but it’s Reynolds. Debbie Reynolds…” Ryan tweeted early Thursday morning.
No… guys, that's very thoughtful but it's Reynolds.
Debbie Reynolds…— debby ryan (@DebbyRyan) December 29, 2016
Many fans were shocked that there had been any confusion: “I honestly don’t know how how anyone could. The age difference, the resume, THE SPELLING,” read one tweet.
“Oh my… please tell me no one got confused…” tweeted another.
But sometimes there’s no stopping internet fans from sowing misinformation online.
“Omg I can’t believe that 2016 took away Debby Ryan too. Rip girl, I will always be Jessie’s #1 fan,” tweeted one user along with a picture of Ryan’s show, “Jessie.”
Omg I can't believe that 2016 took away Debby Ryan too. Rip girl, I will always be Jessie's #1 fan. ?? pic.twitter.com/WJnhYz9KTI
— shania (@sj_peralta) December 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/mrmeeseeksboy/status/814352592880934913
https://twitter.com/Kimsbeyotch/status/814288065153863680
https://twitter.com/mufxro/status/814375239933161472
On Wednesday, Reynolds died at the age of 84, one day after the death of her daughter.
“She’s with Carrie,” Reynolds’ son Todd Fisher said in a statement, referring to his sister, who died Tuesday morning.
The Oscar-nominated actress was hospitalized after reportedly suffering a possible stroke on Wednesday. She was rushed to a hospital at around 1 p.m. PT.