Star Wars Execs on Carrie Fisher: She Defined the Female Hero of Our Age

Executives behind the Star Wars franchise honored the legacy of Carrie Fisher following her death on Tuesday. In a post on StarWars.com, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company which bought Lucasfilm in 2012 paid their respects, jointly calling her a cherished member of the Lucasfilm family.

Carrie holds such [a] special place in the hearts of everyone at Lucasfilm [that] it is difficult to think of a world without her, Kennedy said in a statement. She was Princess Leia to the world but a very special friend to all of us. She had an indomitable spirit, incredible wit and a loving heart. Carrie also defined the female hero of our age over a generation ago. Her groundbreaking role as Princess Leia served as an inspiration of power and confidence for young girls everywhere. We will miss her dearly.

Carrie Fisher was one of a kind; a true character who shared her talent and her truth with us all with her trademark wit and irreverence, Iger added. Millions fell in love with her as the indomitable Princess Leia; she will always have a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans as well as all of us who were lucky enough to know her personally. She will be sorely missed, and we join millions of fans and friends around the world who mourn her loss today.

FishersStar Wars co-star Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, posted a photo of himself with her in costume to Twitter and wrote, No words. Devastated. Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian, also tweeted, Im deeply saddened at the news of Carries passing. She was a dear friend, whom I greatly respected and admired. The force is dark today!

Fisher died after suffering a massive heart attack while onboard a flight traveling from London to Los Angeles last Friday. She was taken to UCLA Medical Center upon landing.