It would've been Carrie Fisher's 61st birthday on October 21, but that didn't stop her friends from celebrating a special occasion.
The outspoken, vivacious Hollywood luminary left us too soon when she unexpectedly passed away on December 27, 2016. But Fisher is hardly a personality you would quickly forget.
As the next installment of the Star Wars franchise The Last Jedi draws near, fans will be able to see Princess Leia one last time on the big screen. It's to be Fisher's final appearance in the sci-fi juggernaut franchise, and it is anticipated to be a poignant experience.
One person, in particular, holds her memory close to his heart. Mark Hamill, Fisher's on-screen brother, is making sure nobody forgets the special person who ignited the screen with her presence and her ability "to make you feel like you were the most important thing in her life."
Hamill shared what it was like meeting Fisher for the first time with the Hollywood Reporter.
"You know, she was 19 years old at the time. I was a worldly 24. So I was thinking, 'Oh my God, it’ll be like working with a high school kid.' But I was just bowled over. I mean she was just so instantly ingratiating and funny and outspoken. She had a way of just being so brutally candid. I’d just met her but it was like talking to a person you’d known for ten years.
On the occasion of Fisher's birthday, the Skywalker is seen here cutting a rug with his dear friend.
#AlwaysWithUs https://t.co/UJL5LdZw78— @HamillHimself (@@HamillHimself) 1508570797.0
Others followed suit in honoring Carrie Fisher's birthday. Her daughter Billie Catherine Lourd shared her memories in an Instagram post.
Two galaxies collide.
Remembering Carrie on her birthday today. 😢 https://t.co/cOwE3DRmFY— William Shatner (@William Shatner) 1508601813.0
Forever our princess.
Happy Birthday, your Highness. #CarrieFisher forever... https://t.co/5MwPuOmAf0— KevinSmith (@KevinSmith) 1508606826.0
Straight up, she'll tell you that Carrie Fisher was a driving force in people's lives.
#CarrieFisher was literally, a force. It’s her birthday & she’s STILL giving to US! Her kindness, courage, humor &… https://t.co/Z64kc5lSaJ— Paula Abdul (@Paula Abdul) 1508613014.0
Some of her final and best work - on Amazon's Catastrophe.
Happy birthday to the timeless talent, Carrie Fisher. She will be missed. #Catastrophe https://t.co/E7A3omirzF— Catastrophe (@Catastrophe) 1508616001.0
Never to be forgotten.
Happy birthday, Carrie Fisher. The Hollywood icon would have turned 61 years old today. Rest in peace... https://t.co/5nXEbpqOaZ— Good Morning America (@Good Morning America) 1508594709.0
And the best tribute of all was from her beloved dog.
After Fisher went into cardiac arrest, her loyal pal reportedly never left her side in the hospital. But this is how her adorable furry friend will always remember her.
Happy Birthday Mommy! Miss you daily— Gary the Dog (@Gary the Dog) 1508601222.0
Happy birthday, Carrie Fisher! You'll always rule in our galaxy forever and always.
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H/T - uproxx, hollywoodreporter