Carrie Fisher, the actress who played Princess Leia in the Star Wars series passed away today at the age of 60, and fans, costars and the media quickly paid tribute to her iconic career.
Beyond her status as an iconic fixture in pop-culture both as an actress and noted Hollywood script doctor, Fisher’s advocacy for mental health provided a guiding light for fans who looked up to the actress as a role model. Fisher’s life in Hollywood and struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and sexism in the industry has been chronicled by the actress herself in a series of biting, insightful, and humorous memoirs like Wishful Drinking and The Princess Diarist. Through it all, Fisher has been a very public spokesperson for recovery, inspiring many fans with her strength and outspoken attitude towards the hypocrisy of Hollywood.
The same fans, friends, and family members are now mourning the actress’s death on social media, recalling Fisher’s loving disposition, devil-may-care attitude, and her fight against all forms of tyranny, fictional or not.
Editor of WNYC Rebecca Carroll reminds fans that Carrie Fisher is with them.
Her lasting pop culture impact is undeniable and her jokes will be quoted forever.
Many fans remembered Fisher for how she wanted to be remembered; strong, beautiful, and strangled by underwear.
And she’s memorable for quite a few things: Her skills as a phenomenal script doctor being one of them.
Transforming romantic leads into main characters isn’t the only way Fisher showcased her mastery of the English language.
Other fans and admirers have taken the opportunity to highlight the actress’s lessons in self-care, recalling the actress’s peerless efforts in shining a light on the stigma of mental health and the dangers of fame and stardom.
Fisher helped fans in so many ways, including the gift of Gary, her beloved support animal.
Many are choosing to remember Fisher’s General Organa, a steadfast leader who was perhaps more like Fisher than George Lucas’s vision of Princess Leia.
Carrie Fisher was unabashedly upfront about her struggles with addiction and mental health, an aspect of her that will no doubt become more prominent in the wake of her death.
Those same off-screen gifts are parts of the reasons why Fisher’s legacy has evolved beyond her most famous on-screen role …
… as well as an inspiration for future change.
As news of Carrier Fisher’s death continues to spread, her Star Wars castmates have also offered their condolences to the Princess and General. Mark Hamill, Fisher’s Star Wars sibling offered a solemn memorial.
Billy Dee Williams, who strutted through the Star Wars galaxy as Lando Calrissian, offers his own peace.
Anthony Daniels who portrayed the robot C-3PO reacts to the news with a somber sadness.
Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew mourns the loss of a dear friend with pictures of better times.
Tributes have also come from newer Star Wars cast like Andy Serkis who plays Snoke in The Force Awakens,
And Gwendoline Christie who plays Captain Phasma in the new trilogy has also offered her condolences,
As per her request, Carrie Fisher will be remembered for having drowned in moonlight, strangled by her own bra.
