Billie Lourd, ‘Star Wars’ cast honor Carrie Fisher
She’s still strong in ORLANDO the Force.
The late Carrie Fisher’s presence was felt right from the beginning of Star Wars Celebration Thursday, with a 40th anniversary panel at the four-day official convention for the franchise becoming a tribute to Princess Leia.
“In our world, Star Wars became a religion and a way of life. I wanted to be here with you because I know you feel the same way,” said Fisher’s daughter Billie Lourd, who spoke emotionally in front of a crowd of fans while wearing Leia’s familiar white dress from the original 1977 Star Wars film.
Legendary Star Wars composer John Williams conducted a stirring performance of Leia’s Theme, and a video package featuring behind-the-scenes material and interviews with Fisher over the years left the audience sniffling.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and creator George Lucas also were on hand with a number of actors from the movies, including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Billy Dee Williams. Both Lucas and Kennedy teared up when speaking of Fisher near the end of the 90-minute panel.
“She had to hold her own against two lugs. She was the boss and it was her war,” Lucas said, recalling Fisher filming the first movie with Ford and Hamill, the Han and Luke to her Leia. “She had to wear a dress during the whole thing, but she was the toughest one of the group.”
Added Kennedy: “She will be remembered forever, even by those not old enough to say, ‘May the Force be with you.’ ”
Lourd spoke about how much Star Wars and its fandom meant to her — she knows Fisher’s entire “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi” speech by heart — as well as to her mom. “Nothing was ever a performance” for Fisher, Lourd said.
“That was why she loved you, because you embraced every part of her.”