Credit: LucasfilmFive years ago, on December 27, 2016, Hollywood and the Star Wars fan community alike were shocked by the unexpected death of Carrie Fisher.
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The daughter of Hollywood royalty — Carrie’s mother was silver screen icon Debbie Reynolds, and her father was the equally famous singer Eddie Fisher, who famously left Reynolds for Elizabeth Taylor — the late actress was cast in George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) when she was just 19 years old.
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The actress went on to become a cinematic legend as Princess Leia Organa, later Princess General Leia Organa Solo, in six of the nine Skywalker Saga films, encompassing the original trilogy and the sequel trilogy — the aforementioned A New Hope, Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) , Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983), Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017), and Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
Archive footage was used in The Rise of Skywalker, which wasn’t filmed until after the late star’s death.
She is synonymous with costars Mark Hamill (Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker) and Harrison Ford (Han Solo), who have both spoken out about how much they miss her humor and unmatched candor in the years following her untimely passing.
Today, half a decade after the Star Wars franchise lost its Rebel Princess, fans and friends are remembering Carrie Fisher on social media.
Hamill, as always, posted a sweet tribute to his good friend. This year, he simply shared a screenshot of the TLJ credits, which read:
In Loving Memory of our Princess
Carrie Fisher
In just an hour, the post has over 100,000 likes.
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) December 27, 2021
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Fan Drew Struzan shared a drawing of Fisher as Princess Leia, with the simple caption:
Forever in our hearts…
Forever in our hearts…#CarrieFisher #PrincessLeia #StarWars #ReturnOfTheJedi #Art pic.twitter.com/OskI7wf6lF
— Drew Struzan (@DrewStruzan) December 27, 2021
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Fisher’s daughter, actress Billie Lourd (American Horror Story), shared a touching memorial to her “Momby”:
People always ask me what stage of grief I’m in. And my answer is never simple. I’m in a different stage of grief in each moment of every day. My grief is a multi course meal with many complicated ingredients. An amuse bouche of bargaining followed by an anger appetizer with a side of depression, acceptance for the entree and of course a little denial for dessert. And that’s how grief should be – all things all at once – actually there is no “should” in grief – grief just is whatever it is for you and that is how it “should be”. Ps for anyone wondering why I’m posting this on the 26th it’s the 27th here down unda (aka Tomorrowland) so what better thing to post for my Momby’s Australian death anniversary (4 words I never thought I’d be putting next to each other?!?) than this picture of her and I with a koala!? sending my love to anyone out there who needs it
View this post on Instagram
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A Twitter user named Bea recently shared a collection of adorable photos of Hamill and Fisher during the original trilogy era, including an image with Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) on set during ESB filming:
vintage pictures of mark hamill and carrie fisher’s wholesome friendship
vintage pictures of mark hamill and carrie fisher's wholesome friendship 🤍 pic.twitter.com/QzPq3wsYwt
— bea (@worshipfuIness) December 20, 2021
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Online Star Wars encyclopedia, Wookieepedia, joined in, sharing a poignant post:
Five years ago, Carrie Fisher became one with the Force. She left a lasting impact on all of us, inspiring generations to follow their dreams, and be true to themselves. May the Force be with you Princess, always.
Five years ago, Carrie Fisher became one with the Force. She left a lasting impact on all of us, inspiring generations to follow their dreams, and be true to themselves. May the Force be with you Princess, always. pic.twitter.com/su28vhZwwn
— Wookieepedia (@WookOfficial) December 27, 2021
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Writer Jay Stobie took to social to say:
I never had the pleasure of meeting Carrie Fisher, but the bravery she demonstrated through her mental health advocacy inspired me to share my OCD experiences with others. It’s been 5 years since she left us, but her legacy of love and honesty lives on. Thank you, Carrie.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Carrie Fisher, but the bravery she demonstrated through her mental health advocacy inspired me to share my OCD experiences with others. It's been 5 years since she left us, but her legacy of love and honesty lives on. Thank you, Carrie. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MD39gZBkGg
— Jay Stobie (@StobiesGalaxy) December 27, 2021
Finally, Nerd Girl Says left followers with words we can all live by each and every day:
Be the kind of person who would make Carrie Fisher proud.
Be the kind of person who would make Carrie Fisher proud. pic.twitter.com/JA2SSEzCGW
— Nerd Girl Says (@Rachael_Conrad) December 27, 2021
As the Star Wars fandom remembers its Princess, share your favorite Carrie Fisher moment below.