When she auditioned for Star Wars (now retitled “Episode IV — A New Hope”) Carrie Fisher got the role she is best known for, Princess Leia.
Although her character was a young princess, Leia was hardly a damsel in distress.
Director George Lucas wrote, “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.”
In the original, “A New Hope,” she ended up taking over the reins in her own rescue. The movie also established Leia’s love-hate relationship with Harrison Ford’s Han Solo.
Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back saw Leia in a strong commander role while also falling in love with Solo.
In Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi, she sought out to rescue him, getting captured in the process. When fans saw her in “Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens,” Leia had become a general and leader of the resistance, but still with a soft spot for Solo.
Variety compiled some the most memorable Leia quotes from the Star Wars franchise:
From “A New Hope”
“Governor Tarkin, I should have expected to find you holding Vader’s leash. I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board.” — Leia upon meeting the Imperial officer.
“Aren’t you a little short for a stormtrooper?” — Leia to her would-be rescuer, Luke.
“Will someone get this big walking carpet out of my way?” — Leia as she pushes aside the hairy Wookiee, Chewbacca.
“Someone has to save our skins. Into the garbage chute, fly boy.” — Leia to Han as she takes over the reins of her own rescue.
From “The Empire Strikes Back”:
“Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking, Nerf-herder!” — Leia to Han after he revealed to Luke and Chewbecca she had feelings for him.
“Would it help if I got out and pushed?” — Leia to Han after the Millennium Falcon stalls while trying to escape Hoth.
“Stop that. My hands are dirty.” — Leia to Han as he clasps her hands preparing to kiss her.
“I hope you know what you’re doing.” — Leia to Han as he flies into a cave, which actually turns out to be a giant space worm.
“You have your moments. Not many of them, but you do have them.” — Leia to Han with a kiss.
