Beloved to billions across the world, Princess Leia is now one with the Force. After suffering a massive cardiac arrest on a Los Angeles bound plane, actor, writer and humorist Carrie Fisher died in the hospital where she was admitted. Star Wars co-stars and filmmakers took to the social media to express their shock, sadness and deep loss of their friend.
Actor Mark Hamill, who played Fisher's on-screen brother Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars films was heartbroken on learning the news. He tweeted: "no words #Devastated".
He had spent around a decade filming with Carrie Fisher on the sets of the most popular space opera of all time.
Actor Harrison Ford, who played Fisher's romantic interest, Han Solo in the Star Wars films, told People magazine: "Carrie was one-of-a-kind...brilliant, original" adding that she was "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."
Later, Hamill posted a longer eulogy on his Twitter and Facebook accounts, to his beloved on-screen sister and co-star. "It's never easy to lose such a vital, irreplaceable member of the family, but this is downright heartbreaking. Carrie was one-of-a-kind who belonged to us all- whether she liked it or not. She was OUR Princess, damn it, & the actress who played her blurred into one gorgeous, fiercely independent & ferociously funny, take-charge woman who took our collective breath away."
Hamill said, adding she was "determined & tough, but with a vulnerability that made you root for her & want her to succeed & be happy."
Hamill ended his tribute, saying: "She played such a crucial role in my professional & personal life, & both would have been far emptier without her. I am grateful for the laughter, the wisdom, the kindness & even the bratty, self-indulgent crap my beloved space-twin gave me through the years. Thanks Carrie. I love you, mh."
Fisher's daughter, Billie Lourd, who also starred with her mother in last year's Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, said in a statement given to People magazine: "She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly."
Billy Dee Williams who played Lando Calrissian alongside Carrie Fisher in 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi,' wrote on his Twitter account: "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!"
Peter Mayhew, who played the wookie Chewbacca, also had fond memories of the 'When Harry Met Sally' actor.
"There are no words for this loss. Carrie was the brightest light in every room she entered. I will miss her dearly," Mayhew wrote on Twitter.
Anthony Daniels, who plays the robot, C-3PO was incredibly saddened, as he wrote on his Twitter page: "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."
Gwendoline Christie, who plays Captain Phasma in the new 'Star Wars' saga films, simply tweeted: "We've lost our Princess."
English actor Warwick Davis posted an old photo of himself, seated on Fisher's lap while filming for the third 1983 movie. He recalled: "Princess Leia, @carrieffisher now one with the Force. Your kindness & sharp wit will be missed. #RIP PS: Thanks for the milk & cookies. Xx."
Rian Johnson, who recently directed her in 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' wrote on Twitter: "Carrie was an incredible person. I feel lucky I got to know her, and heartbroken."
However, it is perhaps filmmaker George Lucas, father of Star Wars whose words are the most poignant. He said in a statement to E! News: "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."
Very recently, we revisited Princess Leia in her original avatar in 'Rogue One.' One cannot help but feel saddened at her loss too soon, especially when we are reminded that it is her family and her beloved dog Gary, who have suffered the most by her departure.
Carrie Fisher will be seen for one last time as General Leia in 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' which releases on 15 December, next year. She joins R2-D2 actor Kenny Baker, who died in August, this year. May the force be with Carrie Fisher and her family.
