‘Star Wars’ Icons React to Carrie Fisher’s Passing: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford + More Speak Out
The loss of beloved Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher, who played the iconic Princess Leia in the culturally-defining movie franchise and who died Tuesday morning (December 27) at the age of 60, has rocked the entertainment industry—particularly the cast and community surrounding the film series itself.
Fisher's on-screen co-stars, film crew and distant Star Wars colleagues are speaking out on social media and via public statements about the untimely death of their rebel princess.
Below, see some of the emotional messages the stars of Star Wars have shared.
Mark Hamill, a.k.a. Luke Skywalker
Hamill, who played Leia's long-lost twin brother, Jedi Luke Skywalker, initially responded to the actress's death with a brief but poignant post on Twitter in which he said he simply had "no words." Hours later, he shared a longer, more heartfelt message on Facebook.
Harrison Ford, a.k.a. Han Solo
Ford, who portrayed rugged yet charming smuggler-turned-hero Han Solo, Leia's on-screen love interest and, according to Fisher's autobiography, real-life lover, issued a statement hours after news broke of Fisher's death.
"Carrie was one-of-a-kind…brilliant, original," he said. "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."
George Lucas, creator of Star Wars
Lucas, who cast Fisher to play the lead in his 1977 space opera, released a statement following the actress's passing.
"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 wrote, adding, "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."
Peter Mayhew, a.k.a. Chewbacca
Mayhew, who played beloved Wookiee Chewbacca, considered Fisher a dear friend off-set. On Twitter, he gushed over the actress, writing, "Carrie was the brightest light in every room she entered."
Anthony Daniels, a.k.a. C3PO
On December 24, the day after Fisher first suffered cardiac arrest on her flight from London to Los Angeles, Daniels, who played cranky protocol droid C3PO, tweeted that all he wanted for Christmas was for the "galaxy's beloved princess" to get well. On the day of her death, he sadly followed up with a tweet which read, "I thought I had got what I wanted under the tree. I didn't."
Dave Prowse, a.k.a. Darth Vader
On Twitter, Prowse gushed about Fisher's work ethic—"She was wonderful to work with"—and shared his condolences for her friends, family and countless fans.
Editor's note: While James Earl Jones famously provided the voice-over for Vader, the actual actor who portrayed him in the Vader suit was Prowse.
Billy Dee Williams, a.k.a. Lando Calrissian
"The force is dark today," Williams, who debuted as the smuggler-turned-Rebel Alliance leader in The Empire Strikes Back, wrote on Twitter.
Warwick Davis, a.k.a. Wicket
David, who portrayed an Ewok named Wicket in Return of the Jedi, paid tribute to Fisher's "kindess and sharp wit" on Twitter.
Daisy Ridley, a.k.a. Rey
Ridley, who co-starred with Fisher in 2015's The Force Awakens, issued a statement to PEOPLE following the news of the actress's death.
"Devastated at this monumental loss," she said, adding, "How lucky we all are to have known her, and how awful that we have to say goodbye."
Gwendoline Christie, a.k.a. Captain Phasma
Christie, who played stormtrooper Captain Phasma in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, shared her condolences on Twitter.
Samuel L. Jackson, a.k.a. Mace Windu
Jackson, who played Jedi Master Mace Windu in the late '90s, early 2000s Star Wars prequel films, tweeted that the "light in the galaxy" has been dimmed due to Fisher's passing.
Felicity Jones, a.k.a. Jyn Erso
The Rebel hero of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Jones never met Fisher in person, but the brave spirit of her character was undoubtedly influenced by the path Leia paved. Speaking to Deadline, Jones called her death "such devastating news," adding, "I never met Carrie but consistently heard how profoundly sharp and witty she was. Her maverick spirit will be missed by us all."
Diego Luna, a.k.a. Cassian Andor
Actor Luna, who played Rebel Alliance Captain Cassian in Rogue One, shared a brief yet heartfelt toast for Fisher in Spanish on Twitter.
J.J. Abrams, director of Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Abrams, who directed Fisher in 2015's The Force Awakens, in which she reprised her role as now-General Leia Organa, shared a beautiful handwritten note on Twitter, writing, "You didn't need to meet Carrie Fisher to understand her power."
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