Sadly, it sometimes takes the death of a loved one to demonstrate just how meaningful that person was in life. Such was the case with Carrie Fisher, who died Dec. 27, 2016, at age 60 from cardiac arrest at UCLA Medical Center, following her in-flight medical emergency on Dec. 23 on a United Airlines flight from London to Los Angeles.
Fisher—inextricably linked to her character Princess Leia, whom she portrayed in the Star Wars franchise—was mourned by the blockbuster’s cast, and by friends and fans, in a galaxy far, far away.
Mark Hamill via Facebook…
Harrison Ford released a statement: “Carrie was one-of-a-kind…brilliant, original. Funny and emotionally fearless,” he told Us. “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.”
George Lucas said: “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,” he told Us on Tuesday. “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.”
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) via Twitter (@TheWookieeRoars)
There are no words for this loss. Carrie was the brightest light in every room she entered. I will miss her dearly. pic.twitter.com/GgIeYGeMt9
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) December 27, 2016
Anthony Daniels (C3PO) via Twitter (ADaniels3PO)
I thought I had got what I wanted under the tree. I didn’t. In spite of so many thoughts and prayers from so many. I am very, very sad.
— Anthony Daniels (@ADaniels3PO) December 27, 2016
Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) via Twitter (@realbdw)
I’m deeply saddened at the news of Carrie’s passing. She was a dear friend, whom I greatly respected and admired. The force is dark today!
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) December 27, 2016
Actor Kenny Baker, who portrayed R2D2, also passed in 2016. One day after Fisher’s passing, her mother, Debbie Reynolds, also died.
Related: A 22-year-old Fisher starred in a classic SNL sketch
Hamill again paid tribute on the 5th anniversary of her passing…
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) December 27, 2021
