Star Wars Actress Carrie Fisher Passes Away at 60

Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher passes away at age 60

We were hoping that 2016 would not take yet another great from us, but alas, it was not meant to be. Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher has died after suffering a heart attack on Friday. She was 60 years old.

Family spokesman Simon Halls released the following statement on behalf of Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd:

“It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning. She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”

Fisher went into cardiac arrest on Friday, December 23 on a flight from London to Los Angeles. She was rushed to the hospital and was previously reported to be in stable condition.

Born to actress Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher in 1956, Fisher was best known for playing Princess Leia in four Star Wars films, including Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope in 1977, Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi in 1983, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015. She will also appear in the yet-to-be-named Star Wars: Episode VIII in December of 2017.

She’s had roles in such films as Shampoo (1975), The Blues Brothers (1980), Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), The ‘Burbs (1989), and When Harry Met Sally… (1989).

Fisher was one of the top script doctors in Hollywood, working on the screenplays of other writers. She did uncredited polishes on movies from 1991 to 2005.

Fisher was also known for her semi-autobiographical novels, including Postcards from the Edge, and the screenplay for the film of the same name, as well as her autobiographical one-woman play, and its nonfiction book, Wishful Drinking, based on the show. This year, Fisher released her memoir, The Princess Diarist. The book is based on diaries she kept while filming the original Star Wars trilogy in the late ’70s and early ’80s.

The Walt Disney Company released the following statement:

Legendary actress Carrie Fisher passed away today at the age of 60, after suffering a heart attack on Friday, December 23. Fisher was best known to legions of fans as Princess Leia from the Star Wars saga.

“Carrie Fisher was one-of-a-kind, a true character who shared her talent and her truth with us all with her trademark wit and irreverence. Millions fell in love with her as the indomitable Princess Leia; she will always have a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans as well as all of us who were lucky enough to know her personally. She will be sorely missed, and we join millions of fans and friends around the world who mourn her loss today,” said Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company.

Fisher, the daughter of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, made her film debut in 1975 in Shampoo and two years later starred in the iconic role of Princess Leia, a part that would reshape the way women are portrayed on screen today—including characters such as Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Jyn in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Fisher starred in films such as The Blues Brothers, The Man with One Red Shoe, Hannah and Her Sisters, and When Harry Met Sally. She was also a prolific writer, penning such books as Postcards from the Edge (later turned into film), Delusions of Grandma, Wishful Drinking, and this year’s The Princess Diarist, based on diaries she kept at the time she filmed 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope.

Fisher is survived by Reynolds and her daughter, Billie Lourd.

Lucasfilm released the following statement:

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Carrie Fisher, who in addition to being both a celebrated actor and author, is a cherished member of the Lucasfilm family. She was adored by all who knew her for her endearing personality and delightfully sharp wit.

“Carrie holds such special place in the hearts of everyone at Lucasfilm it is difficult to think of a world without her. She was Princess Leia to the world but a very special friend to all of us. She had an indomitable spirit, incredible wit, and a loving heart. Carrie also defined the female hero of our age over a generation ago. Her groundbreaking role as Princess Leia served as an inspiration of power and confidence for young girls everywhere. We will miss her dearly.” – Kathleen Kennedy, President, Lucasfilm

George Lucas released the following statement: “Carrie and I have been friends most of our adult lives. She was extremely smart; a talented actress, writer and comedienne with a very colorful personality that everyone loved. In Star Wars she was our great and powerful princess – feisty, wise and full of hope in a role that was more difficult than most people might think. My heart and prayers are with Billie, Debbie and all Carrie’s family, friends and fans. She will be missed by all.”

Harrison Ford released the following statement: “Carrie was one-of-a-kind… brilliant, original. Funny and emotionally fearless. She lived her life, bravely… My thoughts are with her daughter Billie, her Mother Debbie, her brother Todd, and her many friends. We will all miss her.”

Star Wars: The Force Awakens star Daisy Ridley released the following statement: “Devastated at this monumental loss. How lucky we all are to have known her, and how awful that we have to say goodbye.”

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story actress Felicity Jones said in a statement: “Such devastating news. I never met Carrie but consistently heard how profoundly sharp and witty she was. Her maverick spirit will be missed by us all.”

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Movie News

Marvel and DC

X