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Carrie Fisher dead at 60: Tributes pour in for Star Wars actress

CARRIE Fisher’s Star Wars co-star, Mark Hamill, is struggling to deal with her death, describing it as “downright heartbreaking”.

Charlotte WillisCharlotte Willis
@lottiewillis
3 min read
December 28, 2016 - 5:34AM
Hollywood star Carrie Fisher has died, four days after suffering a massive heart attack on a transatlantic flight, according to a family statement. Picture: AFP PHOTO / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Dimitrios Kambouris
Hollywood star Carrie Fisher has died, four days after suffering a massive heart attack on a transatlantic flight, according to a family statement. Picture: AFP PHOTO / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Dimitrios Kambouris

WHEN Carrie Fisher’s death was announced, Mark Hamill didn’t know what to say.

The man who plays Luke Skywalker in Star Wars simply tweeted, “No words #devastated.”

But after a few hours Hamill took to Facebook to pay tribute to his former co-star who died four days after suffering a massive heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles.

“It’s never easy to lose such a vital, irreplaceable member of the family, but this is downright heartbreaking,” Hamill wrote.

“Carrie was one-of-a-kind who belonged to us all- whether she liked it or not. She was OUR Princess, damn it, & the actress who played her blurred into one gorgeous, fiercely independent & ferociously funny, take-charge woman who took our collective breath away.

“Determined & tough, but with a vulnerability that made you root for her & want her to succeed & be happy. She played such a crucial role in my professional & personal life, & both would have been far emptier without her. I am grateful for the laughter, the wisdom, the kindness & even the bratty, self-indulgent crap my beloved space-twin gave me through the years. Thanks Carrie. I love you.”

Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher in 2005.
Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher in 2005.

Fisher’s other main Star Wars co-star, Harrison Ford, also paid tribute to the talented actress, saying: “Carrie was one-of-a-kind…brilliant, original. Funny and emotionally fearless. She lived her life, bravely.”

The creator of Star Wars, George Lucas, said in a 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.”

The President of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy, wrote on the official Star Wars site:

“Carrie holds such a 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.”

Star Trek star William Shatner was just one of the many stars who shared deeply personal tributes on social media.

Fisher’s Star Wars co-star Billy Dee Williams shared: “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!”

Steve Martin tweeted: “When I was a young man, Carrie Fisher was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. She turned out to be witty and bright as well.”

Actor Jason Alexander wrote: “Carrie Fisher- what a hard, wild, exciting, fun, teaching life you led. Sorry you’ve left but may the Force be with you.”

Actor Joe Mantegna tweeted: “Carrie always made me smile to be around her. My heartfelt condolence to all her family.”

In an emotional tweet, British actor and TV presenter Stephen Fry referred to Fisher as the “sweetest person I ever knew”.

Fellow actress Whoopi Goldberg wrote: “Sail On Silver Girl.”

Actress Roseanne Barr tweeted: "A genius has vacated this realm.”

Presenter Graham Norton, actress Anna Kendrick, and magazine editor and reality TV star Nina Garcia also paid tribute to the star on social media.

Fisher’s death comes just two days after singer George Michael’s passing, also from a suspected heart attack.

The actress and author had been travelling to promote her latest memoir when she went into cardiac arrest just 15 minutes before the flight was scheduled to land in Los Angeles on Friday.

Fisher got her start in Hollywood in the 1975 film, Shampoo. She wasthe daughter of screen legend Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher.

Reynolds took to Facebook to thank everyone for their “thoughts and prayers”.

“Thank you to everyone who has embraced the gifts and talents of my beloved and amazing daughter,” the 84-year-old actress wrote, signing off as “Carrie’s mother”.

In 1977, the then 19-year-old actress beat out the likes of Jodie Foster and Amy Irving for the part of Princess Leia in George Lucas’ Star Wars.

Nearly four decades later, she reprised her most iconic role in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher in 1977 film, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Picture: Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM.
Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher in 1977 film, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Picture: Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM.

Originally published as Carrie Fisher dead at 60: Tributes pour in for Star Wars actress

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