- The Washington Times - Tuesday, December 27, 2016

The death of actor and writer Carrie Fisher on Tuesday created a wave of mourning across the entertainment industry.

“Star Wars” co-stars, talk-show hosts, comedians, and directors all weighed in on social media after it was revealed that Miss Fisher, 60, succumbed to the effects of a heart attack suffered last Friday during a flight to Los Angeles. The actor, known by generations as “Princess Leia,” was being treated at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center at the time of her death.

Grieving came first and foremost on Twitter from the cast of the “Star Wars” franchise:

  • Mark Hamill: “No words #Devastated.
  • Peter Mayhew: “There are no words for this loss. Carrie was the brightest light in every room she entered. I will miss her dearly.”
  • Billy Dee Williams: “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: “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.”
  • Dave Prowse: “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.”

Actor Harrison Ford released 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.”

Director George Lucas added, “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.”

Hollywood heavyweight director Steven Spielberg also commented, saying he always “stood in awe” of the actor.

“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,” Mr. Spielberg said.

Other entertainers to issue remembrances included Larry King, actor William Shatner, and director Jon Favreau.

Some of Miss Fisher’s other notable works include her semi-autobiographical novel “Postcards from the Edge,” the novel “Surrender in Pink,” and most recently her memoir “The Princess Diarist.”

• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Click to Read More and View Comments

Click to Hide