Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher has passed away today at age 60 due to complications from a recent heart attack. Best known for playing Princess Leia Organa in the iconic sci-fi franchise, the actress was said to be in stable condition over the weekend and on the road to recovery. As such, this comes as shocking and incredibly tragic news.
“It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning,” family spokesman Simon Halls tells People. “She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”
Though it was really her part in the Star Wars franchise that made her a household name, Fisher had several other notable credits as well, including Shampoo and The ‘Burbs, among others. However, it will always be Princess Leia that the Hollywood icon will be most remembered for, and already there’s been an overwhelming amount of reactions to her tragic death.
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, released a statement shortly after the news broke, saying that Carrie will always “have a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans”:
“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.
Taking to Twitter, several of Fisher’s co-stars from that galaxy far, far, away have also expressed their devastation after learning about her death:
no words #Devastated pic.twitter.com/R9Xo7IBKmh
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) December 27, 2016
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
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
After appearing in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Fisher will also have a role in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VIII. From what we understand, she’d already finished shooting her scenes and when the film premieres next year, it’ll mark her last big screen appearance.
Rest in peace Carrie Fisher, you will be missed by millions and forever loved.