U.S. actress Carrie Fisher died after suffering cardiac arrest, her family has confirmed.
“It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8.55 this morning,” the statement read. “She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”
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Fisher was best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars series. She also had appearances on The Blues Brothers, When Harry Met Sally and Hannah and Her Sisters, and provided voice work in the adult animated sitcom Family Guy.
As news of Fisher’s death was made public, several celebrities tweeted out their condolences.
Carrie Fisher was smart, funny, talented, surprising, and always a hell of a fun time to be around. Family Guy will miss her immensely.
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) December 27, 2016
Carrie Fisher was one of a kind. Funny, kind adventurous and irreverent. I send her family and friends my deepest love and compassion.
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) December 27, 2016
Just landed to the news about Carrie Fisher. I'm devastated. RIP #ToMeShesRoyalty pic.twitter.com/1GHNIaYdsL
— Benji Blakeway (@benjiiblakeway) December 27, 2016
Carrie Fisher wasn't afraid to be a smart actress, too often considered an oxymoron. A writing actress who paved the way for the rest of us.
— Molly Ringwald (@MollyRingwald) December 27, 2016
Fisher had a very private life, but was open about her struggle with mental illness and drug addiction. She discussed the issues in interviews and her book “Wishful Drinking”.
Star Wars series creator George Lucas called Fisher “extremely smart; a talented actress, writer and comedienne with a very colourful personality that everyone loved”.
In 2005 Fisher was awarded the Women of Vision Award by the Women in Film & Video. Three years later, Fisher’s Wishful Drinking autobiography was turned into an HBO documentary.
Carrie Fisher is survived by mom Reynolds, daughter Lourd and her dog Gary.
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