'Star Wars' actress Carrie Fisher is dead at 60

Actress Carrie Fisher, known far and wide for playing Princess Leia in the "Star Wars" movies, has died at the age of 60, People reports.

Fisher recently suffered a heart attack and later died at a hospital, according to People.

Family spokesman Simon Halls released a statement on behalf of Fisher's daughter, Billie Lourd.

"It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning," the statement says, according to People.

"She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers."

More details to come.

NOW WATCH: Neil deGrasse Tyson explains the problem with the Death Star

Please enable Javascript to watch this video