Mark Hamill and Billie Lourd took to social media yesterday to remember the late, great Carrie Fisher. Though Fisher had quite the varied career, appearing in a multitude of films and television shows over the years, she was undoubtedly best known for the role that made her famous: Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars franchise. Fisher first stepped into the part of the galactic royal in the original Star Wars trilogy and later returned to the character for Disney's sequel trilogy. Fans were delighted to see her appear in 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens and prepared to watch her play a vital role in the rest of the series.
However, Fisher tragically passed away in December 2016, well before the second trilogy installment The Last Jedi arrived in theaters. Fans and Hollywood were rocked by Fisher's death, which was closely followed by her mother Debbie Reynolds' passing. Leia appeared in both The Last Jedi (which was dedicated to Fisher) and last year's The Rise of Skywalker, which adopted unused footage of Fisher to complete Leia's story.
Yesterday marked the fourth anniversary of Fisher's death, and tributes once again popped up across the internet. Hamill, who played Fisher's onscreen brother Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, simply shared an image of The Last Jedi's dedication to Fisher with the words "#AlwaysWithUs." Fisher's daughter Lourd, who has routinely shared sweet tributes her mother, posted a photo of her with Fisher online and wrote that she is "Sending my love and strength to everyone out there that’s missing a loved one they’ve lost. Especially those of you who have lost someone during this crazy year. You’re not alone." Both posts can be seen down below.
Four years out, and Fisher's death still stings for many. Regardless of how one feels about The Rise of Skywalker (and to be sure, fans have a lot of opinions), director J.J. Abrams did his best to bring fans some closure. Though it wasn't the same as having Fisher properly onscreen, Leia at least got a full conclusion to her incredible story.
The continued remembrances of Fisher cement just how much she meant to fans and loved ones everywhere; both as Leia and as a broader symbol for women's empowerment and an advocate for mental health, Fisher made her mark on this world. Undoubtedly, she will be remembered for years to come, especially as the Star Wars franchise continues to grow and expand in previously unfathomable ways. It's incredibly sad to know Fisher won't be around to see it, but in the thoughtful tributes shared by those who loved her, she can remain in their hearts. As Luke says to Leia in The Last Jedi, "No one's ever really gone."
Source: Mark Hamill, Billie Lourd