The Star Wars cast and friends say goodbye to Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher has sadly died today (December 27) after suffering a heart attack on December 23. The actress, who was best known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies, was loved by millions and messages and tributes have flooded social media since the announcement of her passing.

no words #Devastated pic.twitter.com/R9Xo7IBKmhDecember 27, 2016

Harrison Ford released a statement, saying: "Carrie was one-of-a-kind… brilliant, original. 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."

The light in The Galaxy is dimmed by the loss of our Princess Leia. May The Force Be With Her!! RIPDecember 27, 2016

I thought I had got what I wanted under the tree. I didn't. In spite of so many thoughts and prayers from so many. I am very, very sad.December 27, 2016

There are no words for this loss. Carrie was the brightest light in every room she entered. I will miss her dearly. pic.twitter.com/GgIeYGeMt9December 27, 2016

Director George Lucas released a statement, saying: "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. 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."

Director JJ Abrams released a statement via Bad Robot's Twitter:

pic.twitter.com/RLiWEXU8ObDecember 27, 2016

I'm deeply saddened at the news of Carrie's passing. She was a dear friend, whom I greatly respected and admired. The force is dark today!December 27, 2016

Princess Leia, @carrieffisher now one with the Force. Your kindness & sharp wit will be missed. #RIP PS: Thanks for the milk & cookies. xx pic.twitter.com/sFSy9UmvYYDecember 27, 2016

Daisy Ridley released a statement which reads: "Devastated at this monumental loss. How lucky we all are to have known her, and how awful that we have to say goodbye."

We've lost our Princess. pic.twitter.com/N9xMYe6jLTDecember 27, 2016

Dearest Carrie, so incredibly sad to say farewell so soon to such a beautifully honest and unique human being- see you in the multiverse.December 27, 2016

Carrie was an incredible person. I feel lucky I got to know her, and heartbroken.December 27, 2016

Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy also released a statement: "Carrie holds such special place in the hearts of everyone at Lucasfilm it is difficult to think of a world without her. 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."

Sweet Carrie.
A photo posted by @lupitanyongo on Dec 27, 2016 at 10:36am PST

Always. pic.twitter.com/DvRhYCSHeVDecember 27, 2016

Disney CEO Bob Iger released a statement about Fisher's passing: "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. 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."

I'm deeply saddened to learn of the death of Carrie Fisher. I will miss our banterings. A wonderful talent & light has been extinguished.December 27, 2016

ALWAYS HUMOROUS, ALWAYS ELOQUENT, CARRIE FISHER'S CONTRIBUTION TO POP CULTURE ICONOGRAPHY & GENDER POLITICS WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN #RIPCARRIE pic.twitter.com/vl3bQg66cMDecember 27, 2016

It's a little thing, but Carrie Fisher was gracious, funny and creatively open when we worked with her for a small role in #Dishonored. RIP.December 27, 2016

Director Steven Spielberg released a statement: "I have always stood in awe of Carrie. Her observations always made me laugh and gasp at the same time. She didn't need The Force. She was a force of nature, of loyalty and of friendship. I will miss her very much."

Sad day this 27th... Sad news...SALUD POR CARRIE FISHER!!December 28, 2016

Oh man. RIP Carrie Fisher. I thought you were the coolest.December 27, 2016

Such a sad day for her family, friends and millions of fans. Carrie Fisher is deeply missed.December 27, 2016

She was the brightest, funniest, bravest, kindest, cleverest and sweetest person I ever knew. A crushing blow to lose @carrieffisherDecember 27, 2016

Nooooo! So SO sad. Carrie Fisher was so inexorably herself, and so open about her life. She'll be sorely missed.December 27, 2016

Carrie Fisher was smart, funny, talented, surprising, and always a hell of a fun time to be around. Family Guy will miss her immensely.December 27, 2016

I'm just going to leave this here because it always makes me smile, and I'm sure Carrie Fisher would want us to remember the fun stuff.

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.