Actress, author, and screenwriter Carrie Fisher died at the age of 60 following a massive heart attack. She was pronounced dead 8:55 a.m by the Los Angeles hospital where she was recovering.
Most know Fisher for her iconic role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise, debuting in Star Wars in 1977 and appearing in the latest installment in the series, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Fisher was also sure to play the princess with sass and strength, rarely settling for the damsel-in-distress trope. She also appeared in films like Shampoo, The Blues Brothers, Hannah and her Sisters, and When Harry Met Sally.
However, Fisher was also an ardent critic of the Hollywood system, pointing out the many hypocrisies of the system and the pressure women felt physically and mentally to fit into a very specific mold. In books like The Princess Diarist, Wishful Drinking, and Postcards from the Edge, Fisher detailed her struggled with bipolar disorder, drugs, and alcohol, all of which she combated up to her death. Her frank nature and refusal to be ashamed of her mental health endeared her to many struggling with similar situations and helped open up discussions of larger problems both in and outside of the entertainment business. News of her passing has sent thousands of fans into mourning, as many hoped she would survive the year that also took greats like David Bowie, Ron Glass, Gene Wilder, Prince, and more.
There has been no discussion of if she will be appearing in Star Wars Episode VIII or if her death will affect the next two films of the franchise.
She is survived by her daughter Billie Lourd, her brother Todd, her mother Debbie Reynolds, and half-sisters Joely Fisher and Tricia Leigh Fisher. May the Force be with you always, Carrie.
