THERE has been an outpouring of grief on social media networks as news of Carrie Fisher, who portrayed Princess Leia in the Star Wars series, died following a massive heart attack last week. She was 60.

Fisher suffered a heart attack last week aboard a Los Angeles-bound flight 15 minutes prior to landing. A medic onboard performed CPR on the actress until paramedics arrived to take her to a medical center, where she was placed on a ventilator.

Her death has prompted millions across the globe to pay tribute to her:

I'm deeply saddened at the news of Carrie's passing. She was a dear friend, whom I greatly respected and admired. The force is dark today!

— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) December 27, 2016

https://twitter.com/WhoopiGoldberg/status/813811443069923328?lang=en

I'm deeply saddened to learn of the death of Carrie Fisher. I will miss our banterings. A wonderful talent & light has been extinguished.

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 27, 2016

Numb. Unbelievable that such a bright funny loving spark could be extinguished. @carrieffisher you will be missed. I wish you peace.

— graham norton (@grahnort) December 27, 2016

https://twitter.com/SethMacFarlane/status/813813512174641152?lang=en

https://twitter.com/amandatapping/status/813814664249430016?lang=en

https://twitter.com/LBardugo/status/813814508829298688?lang=en

Inspiring, entertaining & a real cultural icon. Rest in peace Carrie Fisher – a true talent who will be much missed. pic.twitter.com/J7USO1uDe2

— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) December 27, 2016