Friends, fans and Star Wars co-stars pay tribute to Carrie Fisher

Hollywood has been paying tribute to ‘Star Wars’ icon Carrie Fisher, who passed away today (27 December) at the age of 60. Her co-stars from the galaxy far, far away Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels were among those reacting to the sad news.

Her mother, actress Debbie Reynolds said: “Thank you to everyone who has embraced the gifts and talents of my beloved and amazing daughter. I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers that are now guiding her to her next stop. Love Carries Mother.”

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In a statement, LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy said: “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.”

On Twitter Fisher’s ‘Star Wars’ co-star Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in ‘A New Hope’, said simply: “No Words #Devastated.”

Harrison Ford issued a statement, saying: “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.”

Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’ said: “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!”

Anthony Daniels, who played C-3PO, said: “In spite of so many thoughts and prayers from so many. I am very, very sad.” Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca, said: “There are no words for this loss. Carrie was the brightest light in every room she entered. I will miss her dearly.”

Dave Prowse, who played (physically) Darth Vader, said: “I am extremely sad to learn of Carrie’s passing. She was wonderful to work with. Condolences to her friends, family & fans around the world.”

Creator of ‘Star Wars’ George Lucas issued a statement, which 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.

“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.”

Fisher starred returned to star alongside Hamill, Daniels and Mayhew in ‘The Force Awakens’ in 2015. The new stars of that film also responded to the news.

Lupita Nyong’o (who played Maz Kanata) and Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma) also paid tribute. On Instagram Nyong’o shared a photo of her with Fisher and dog Gary with the caption “Sweet Carrie.”

“We’ve lost our Princess,” said Christie on Twitter.

‘The Force Awakens’ director J.J. Abrams said: “You didn’t need to meet Carrie Fisher to understandher power. She was just as brilliant and beautiful, tough and wonderful, incisive and funny as you could imagine. What an unfair thing to lose her. How to have been blessed with her at all.”

Colin Trevorrow, who is set to direct ‘Star Wars: Episode 9’ – which may well have been planned with Fisher’s participation in mind – shared a simple silhouette of Fisher.

Samuel L. Jackson, who starred in the ‘Star Wars’ prequels as Jedi Mace Windu, said: “The light in The Galaxy is dimmed by the loss of our Princess Leia. May The Force Be With Her!! RIP”

Many more from outside the ‘Star Wars’ family also reacted to the news of Fisher’s death.

Director Steven Spielberg (via The Hollywood Reporter) said: “I have always stood in awe of Carrie. Her observations always made me laugh and gasp at the same time. She didn’t need The Force. She was a force of nature, of loyalty and of friendship. I will miss her very much.”

‘Star Trek’ actor William Shatner said: “I’m deeply saddened to learn of the death of Carrie Fisher. I will miss our banterings. A wonderful talent & light has been extinguished.

Fellow ‘Trek’ star George Takei said: “May her soul rest in eternal peace, as we return her to the heavens, in a galaxy far, far away.”

Dan Aykroyd, who starred alongside her in ‘The Blues Brothers’, said: “Our beautiful brilliant funny wise kind and generous Blues Sister – so ironic – Xmas was Carrie’s favorite thing next to babies.”

In a lengthy tribute on Instagram, director and writer Kevin Smith said: “As a young filmmaker, I dreamed of casting Carrie Fisher. As an adult, I dreamed of being as sharp-witted and prepossessed as Carrie Fisher. And now that Carrie Fisher is gone, I’ll dream of my friend Carrie – whose entire magnificent career I was lucky enough to witness, whose honesty made me a better person, and whose spirit – like The Force – will be with us always. Goodnight, Sweet Princess.”

Anna Kendrick shared a delightful story: “Carrie Fisher wore glitter in her hair. When I said I liked it, she ran her fingers through it and lobbed a handful at me. #TheGreatest”

Margaret Cho said: “We just lost a great ally for mental health and addiction. Be strong, be as strong as she’d want you to be. Rest in paradise.”

Talk show host Graham Norton, who famously adored having Fisher on his shows, said: “Numb. Unbelievable that such a bright funny loving spark could be extinguished. @carrieffisher you will be missed. I wish you peace.”