Stars pay tribute to Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds in private memorial

Meryl Streep, Meg Ryan, Gwyneth Paltrow and Star Wars creator George Lucas were among the mourners who paid tribute to Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds at a star-studded private memorial service.

The service was held in a compound Fisher's estate in Coldwater Canyon, Los Angeles, where she and Reynolds were next-door neighbours.

British actors Stephen Fry and Eric Idle, as well as Jamie Lee Curtis, Ellen Barkin and Ed Beagley Jr. were also spotted at the compound.

During the arrivals of the many people paying tribute, one fan walked up to the gate to lay a bunch of white roses outside the entrance.

Streep was pictured carrying a bunch of white roses as she entered the service, which was flanked by security guards.

It is being reported 125 guests attended the service, which saw Streep perform Fisher's favourite song Happy Days Are Here Again.

The eulogies were read by Streep, Fry, Fisher's daughter Billie Lourd and British comedienne Tracey Ullman.

The wooden doors of the entrance gate were emblazoned with quirky signs with slogans such as Beware Of Trains, No Swimsuits In Lobby and Public Telephone Within.

Star Wars actress Fisher, famous for her role as Princess Leia, died a few days after suffering a cardiac arrest on a flight from London to Los Angeles.

Her mother, Reynolds, who found fame with classics such as Singin' In The Rain, died just a day later, aged 84.

Reynolds' son Todd Fisher has said his mother and sister would be buried together at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills later on Friday.

Forest Lawn is the final resting place for several Hollywood stars and celebrities, including Bette Davis, Stan Laurel and Liberace.

Reports suggest a public memorial is believed to also be scheduled, but no details have been released.

Broadway will dim its lights on Friday night for one minute to pay tribute to Fisher and Reynolds.