– Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher has died, according to People Magazine, which was informed by a family spokesman.
Simon Halls released a statement to People on behalf of Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, that read, “It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning.”
Fisher, 60, suffered a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles two days before Christmas. She went into cardiac arrest and upon landing was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later died.
“She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly,” Lourd’s statement continued. “Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”
Fisher was Hollywood royalty, the daughter of entertainer Eddie Fisher and veteran actress Debbie Reynolds.
She’s best known for her role as Princess Leia from the original Star Wars, a role she won at age 19. She reprised the role last year in The Force Awakens. Fisher will also be in Episode VIII which is slated for release in 2017.
The hairstyle of buns on the side of the head became an iconic hairstyle, as did Fisher’s appearance in the gold bikini in ‘Return of the Jedi.’ However, she was a strong female character, understanding imperial technology and leading the rebel forces.
She’s also the author of several books, including Postcards from the Edge, which later became a movie starring Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine, and her 2016 memoir The Princess Diarist.
Fisher was very public about her struggles with alcoholism and bipolar disorder. She became an advocate for mental health, helping to combat the stigma associated with the disease.
The actress made her debut in 1975 in the movie Shampoo starring Warren Beatty. Fisher had supporting roles in When Harry Met Sally.
She often popped up in roles making fun of her pop culture icon status, such as the movie Fanboys about super Star Wars fans and 30 Rock where she played a feminist comedy writer.