Carrie Fisher with her mother Debbie Reynolds. Photo: AFP
The Academy Award-nominated actress Debbie Reynolds has thanked fans for supporting and appreciating her Star Wars actress daughter Carrie Fisher, who has died at the age of 60.
"Thank you to everyone who has embraced the gifts and talents of my beloved and amazing daughter. I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers that are now guiding her to her next stop. Love Carrie's Mother," she wrote on her Facebook page.
Reynolds' tribute was one of many that have flowed since an announcement earlier today that Fisher had died in hospital, following a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles last week.
Star Wars creator George Lucas remembered her "colourful personality".
"Carrie and I have been friends most of our adult lives. She was extremely smart; a talented actress, writer and comedienne with a very colourful 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."
From left, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Photo: AFP / Kobal / The Picture Desk
Her Star Wars co-star Harrison Ford described her as "one-of-a-kind" and said she lived her life "bravely".
Fisher had recently revealed she had an affair with Ford while filming the first Star Wars movie.
Carrie Fisher and Star Wars creator George Lucas. Photo: AFP
Star Trek actor William Shatner tweeted that he would miss their conversations.
"I'm deeply saddened to learn of the death of Carrie Fisher. I will miss our banterings. A wonderful talent & light has been extinguished."
British entertainer Stephen Fry called her death a "crushing blow".
"She was the brightest, funniest, bravest, kindest, cleverest and sweetest person I ever knew," he said.
The comic actor Tina Fey also paid tribute.
"Carrie Fisher meant a lot to me. Like many women my age, Princess Leia occupies about sixty percent of my brain at any given time. But Carrie's honest writing and her razor-sharp wit were an even greater gift. I feel so lucky that I got to meet her. I'm very sad she is gone."
Actress Whoopi Goldberg tweeted: "Carrie Fisher has passed, she was funnier & smarter than anyone had the right to be. Sail On Silver Girl," she wrote on Twitter.