Actress and author Carrie Fisher dies at age 60

Actress Carrie Fisher, who found enduring fame as Princess Leia in the original “Star Wars,” has died. She was 60.

Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, released a statement through her spokesman saying Fisher died Tuesday just before 9 a.m PST. Lourd said her mother was “loved by the word and she will be missed profoundly.”

Fisher had been hospitalized since Friday when she suffered a medical emergency on board a flight to Los Angeles.

“She was a great contributor to pop culture, not only through the Star Wars franchise,” said CKOM film expert Craig Silliphant. 

In September Fisher was one of the featured guests at the Saskatoon Expo. Silliphant was among many who was able to share a moment with Fisher.

“She took the moment to make a personal connection and while it’s not much after a grueling day she was smiling and taking pictures.”

Regina’s Emery Alberts met Fisher at the Saskatoon Expo and said her original plan was to try and act composed in front of the actress.

“I was wearing an R2-D2 skirt and the first thing she to me was that she liked my skirt and I instantly lost it, started freaking out and I was not cool anymore,” Alberts said. “She was making jokes with me and hugging me and telling me how nice it was to meet me and stuff and it was just a really great experience to meet her.”

Many who knew Fisher on a closer scale recall the same stories, of a woman with a strong personality who could light up a room. 

“Her glow was so warm and her sense of humour and sincere honesty is what really got me,” said Cineplex Host Tanner Zipchen.

I’ll miss you, Carrie. Thank you for the memories, laughs, and love. pic.twitter.com/0CK2g5PJsH

— Tanner Zipchen (@TannerZee) December 27, 2016

Kennedy Callaghan-Sydlowski, a life-long fan of Star Wars also had the chance to meet Fisher at the event.

“She was so kind despite all the stuff that was going on all the attention that was being drawn to her and the commotion,” she told 650 CKOM Tuesday.

The news of the actress’ death hit Callaghan-Sydlowski pretty hard, especially since Princess Leia was a sort of role model for her.

“She was like the first female character I’ve ever seen that was independent and took her own role,” she said.