Stars react to death of Carrie Fisher: "The force is dark today"
The force is dark today.
After news of Carrie Fisher’s death broke, that sentiment seemed to reverberate across social media.
Bill Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian in “Star Wars” trilogy, summed up what many were feeling.
“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!” he tweeted.
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
Fisher, who was best known for her role as Princess Leia in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, died Tuesday, days after suffering from cardiac arrest aboard a flight. She was 60 years old.
Williams wasn’t the only “Star Wars” co-star to remember Fisher. Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, shared a photo with her and said he had “no words.”
no words #Devastated pic.twitter.com/R9Xo7IBKmh
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) December 27, 2016
Dave Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, tweeted his condolences, saying Fisher was “wonderful to work with.”
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. pic.twitter.com/DGRYQYPZgO
— DARTH VADER (@isDARTHVADER) December 27, 2016
Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca, called Fisher “the brightest light in every room.”
“I will miss her dearly,” he said.
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 (@TheWookieeRoars) December 27, 2016
Anthony Daniels, who played droid C-3PO, also expressed his sadness, tweeting, “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 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
Fisher’s co-star Harrison Ford, who she recently revealed she had a three-month affair with while filming the first “Star Wars,” released a statement about her death.
“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,” his statement said.
The creator of “Star Wars” George Lucas also released a statement, saying Fisher was “feisty, wise and full of hope in a role that was more difficult than most people might think.”
“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,” he said.
On Facebook, Fisher’s mother Debbie Reynolds thanked “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,” she wrote.
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
Posted by Debbie Reynolds on Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Fisher’s half-sister Joely Fisher tweeted that she was brokenhearted.
“...the Unfathomable loss...the earth is off its axis today...how dare you take her away from us,” she said.
Breaking my silence with a broken 💔 heart...the Unfathomable loss...the earth is off its axis today...how dare you take her away from us pic.twitter.com/fUHwsHRwyy
— Joely Fisher (@MsJoelyFisher) December 27, 2016
Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of Disney, that owns distribution rights to “Star Wars,” released a statement calling Fisher one-of-a-kind, and a true character.
“Millions fell in love with her as the indomitable Princess Leia,” the statement read.
@Disney Bob Iger's statement on the death of Carrie Fisher: She "was one-of-a-kind, a true character who shared her talent and her truth..." pic.twitter.com/QDvGLyzKTw
— OC Disney (@ocdisney) December 27, 2016
The official “Star Wars” account shared a photo of Fisher on Twitter, alongside a quote from Kathleen Kennedy.
“She was Princess Leia to the world but a special friend to all of us. We will miss her dearly.”
"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
It wasn’t just fellow “Star Wars” actors who paid tribute to Fisher. On Amazon’s “Catastrophe,” Fisher played the mother of Rob Delaney’s character, and the overbearing mother-in-law of Sharon Horgan’s character.
Horgan took to Instagram to remember her friend.
“She was the most generous, fun, gifted, smart, kind, funny funny funny person I’ve ever met,” she said. “She certainly wasn’t ready to go. I’m so glad we became pals. I’m so devastated at her loss.”
A photo posted by Sharon Horgan (@sharonhorgan) on
Many took to social media to share anecdotes about Fisher and highlight her career that spanned decades.
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
R.I.P. Carrie Fisher. Thank you for your brilliant writing, acting and humor. This boy's first Princess. Royal until the end. pic.twitter.com/cOYsYDw5Az
— robertliefeld (@robertliefeld) December 27, 2016
Others highlighted the work she did off screen, especially raising awareness for mental health issues.
Carrie Fisher, as well as being a screen legend, did as much to end mental health stigma as anyone. Her candid bravery comforted millions.
— Matt Haig (@matthaig1) December 27, 2016
Carrie Fisher dedicated her platform to mental health awareness & female empowerment. She is a reason + reminder to keep up your fight. RIP
— h (@halsey) December 27, 2016
One of the worlds biggest mental health activists has gone - we owe her a great deal of appreciation for her openness #CarrieFisher
— DavidBraniff-Herbert (@the_dbh) December 27, 2016
I can't describe my grief at Carrie Fisher's death. She was not only multi-talented, but unashamedly forthright about her mental illness.
— Samantha Shannon (@say_shannon) December 27, 2016
But many simply expressed sadness and disbelief.
My heart is heavy with news of Carrie Fisher's death. She was one of a kind and a dear friend. @carrieffisher
— Jane Seymour Fonda (@Janefonda) December 27, 2016
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) December 27, 2016
The light in The Galaxy is dimmed by the loss of our Princess Leia. May The Force Be With Her!! RIP
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) December 27, 2016
Carrie Fisher has passed, she was funnier&smarter than anyone had the right to be. Sail On Silver Girl. Condolences Debbie & Billie
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) December 27, 2016
R.I.P.
No words. We love you @carrieffisher forever our Princess. May God bless you as richly as you blessed us #CarrieFisher pic.twitter.com/1UNsWOEKuW
— James Arnold Taylor (@JATactor) December 27, 2016
She was the brightest, funniest, bravest, kindest, cleverest and sweetest person I ever knew. A crushing blow to lose @carrieffisher
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) December 27, 2016
Numb. Unbelievable that such a bright funny loving spark could be extinguished. @carrieffisher you will be missed. I wish you peace.
— graham norton (@grahnort) December 27, 2016
Carrie Fisher was a really, really funny writer and an awesome actor. That's all I got right now. I dunno what else there is. Dammit.
— Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) December 27, 2016
Hail Hail! A genius has vacated this realm-RIP Carrie Fisher.
— Roseanne Barr (@therealroseanne) December 27, 2016
We've lost a true gem with Carrie Fisher's passing. Her humor, talent and brutal honesty were gifts to the world. Her voice will be missed.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) December 27, 2016
Carrie Fisher didn't make it. I am so terribly sorry, and send my sincere condolences to her family, friends and fans all around the world.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) December 27, 2016
Carrie Fisher had a brilliant mind. I will miss her insight her wit and her beautiful voice.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) December 27, 2016
Carrie fisher - great wit - great friend / one of the brightest lights has gone out . Deep condolences to Billie and Debbie pic.twitter.com/NoUQt1mq5u
— Courtney Love Cobain (@Courtney) December 27, 2016
In a statement Tuesday, Fisher’s daughter Billie Lourd confirmed her death, and noted she was loved by the world.
“She will be missed profoundly,” she said.