Carrie Fisher died Tuesday morning after suffering a cardiac episode on a London-L.A. flight last week.
“It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning,” read a statement released by publicist Simon Halls. “She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly.”
Fisher, the only female lead of the original Star Wars trilogy, is set to appear in December 2017’s Star Wars: Episode VIII, after playing a key role in 2015’s hit Episode VII: The Force Awakens.
Fisher’s daughter Lourd appeared in The Force Awakens and is expected to have a larger role in its sequel.
While Episode VIII had filmed in London, Fisher was reportedly returning from a book tour when she took ill on Friday. She was rushed to a nearby hospital upon landing in California. According to Variety, Fisher had completed filming for Episode VIII and was set to appear in Episode IX.
Fans, friends, confidantes and fellow Star Wars family members were effusive in their praise and sorrow Tuesday.
“Carrie holds such special place in the hearts of everyone at Lucasfilm it is difficult to think of a world without her,” said Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy in a statement released Tuesday afternoon. “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.”
“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,” Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO Bob Iger added. “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.”
In addition to playing a princess in George Lucas’ epic space fantasy, Fisher was entertainment royalty: Her father, Eddie Fisher, was a pop artist and actor, as was her mother Debbie Reynolds. Fisher was also an accomplished writer and in-demand Hollywood script doctor.
But for so many of us, she will always be Princess.
"She was Princess Leia to the world but a special friend to all of us. We will miss her dearly." -Kathleen Kennedy https://t.co/E96OuqnFQL pic.twitter.com/lr0rm0sRxc
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 27, 2016
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
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 Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) 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
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) December 27, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with Carrie Fisher's family. Deeply saddened today. RIP #Carrie Fisher – https://t.co/NRXACYllzS
— Her Universe (@HerUniverse) December 27, 2016
I'm deeply saddened to learn of the death of Carrie Fisher. I will miss our banterings. A wonderful talent & light has been extinguished.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 27, 2016
RIP Carrie Fisher. The princess all little girls could look up to. A true role model. ❤️
— Amanda Tapping (@amandatapping) December 27, 2016
Gone way too soon. RIP Carrie Fisher. https://t.co/2IPyP1DYYD
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) December 27, 2016
Carrie Fisher was smart, funny, talented, surprising, and always a hell of a fun time to be around. Family Guy will miss her immensely.
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) December 27, 2016
