Some of the most iconic names in recent American history passed into the next life in 2016, and many on social media are begging the year to come to a merciful close before claiming another treasured cultural icon.
That didn’t happen, unfortunately, as one of America’s most beloved characters died today at the age of just 60.
Carrie Fisher, who lit up the screen as Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” movie franchise, died this morning after suffering a reported heart attack just days ago.
More from the New York Times:
“It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother, Carrie Fisher, passed away at 8:55 this morning,” a family spokesman, Simon Hall, wrote in a statement.
Ms. Fisher had a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles on Friday and had been hospitalized in Los Angeles.
Ms. Fisher, the daughter of the pop singer Eddie Fisher and the actress Debbie Reynolds, went on to use her perch among Hollywood royalty to offer wry commentary in her books on the paradoxes and absurdities of the entertainment industry.