HEATH LEDGER HAS PASSED AWAY

 

Written by Mark Walters

 

     Unlike many, I wasn't introduced to Heath Ledger with 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU.  I missed that.  But I do vividly remember his performance in THE PATRIOT with Mel Gibson.  I remember thinking "this kid has got something, and he's going to be big."  In several ways I thought he looked and acted like a young Mel Gibson, which was fitting since they're both Aussies.  That was in 2000.  The very next year saw the release of A KNIGHT'S TALE.  This was a movie I didn't want to like.  Why you ask?  The trailers showed knights jousting, but there was rock music being played, and it appeared as if modern day music was a part of the movie itself.  I really thought it was going to be a 21st century bastardization of medieval-themed cinema.  I couldn't have been more wrong.  Not only was the movie great, but Ledger solidified himself as a likable leading man.  When he screams "William!!!" toward the end, it's near impossible not to get a little choked up.  Heath followed that film with admirable performances in films like MONSTER'S BALL, THE FOUR FEATHERS, NED KELLY, and THE ORDER.  One thing that was certain about Ledger was his diversification as an actor.  He could play an American skateboard legend in LORDS OF DOGTOWN, then switch gears flawlessly to playing a fairy tale hero in Terry Gilliam's THE BROTHERS GRIMM.  But it is perhaps his Oscar-nominated role of Ennis Del Mar in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN in 2005 that showed the world Heath Ledger was truly a talent to be reckoned with.  It was a daring role, and an inspired performance.  The same year he portrayed a gay cowboy, Heath filled the shoes of the world's greatest (straight) lover while playing the lead in CASANOVA.  This summer (2008) will see the release of THE DARK KNIGHT, in which Christian Bale returns to his role of Batman praised by fans and critics in BATMAN BEGINS.  In the new film Batman takes on The Joker, portrayed in his darkest incarnation yet by none other than Ledger.  Last year at Wizard World Chicago I attended a special panel with the cast and crew of THE DARK KNIGHT.  Both director Christopher Nolan and stars Christian Bale and Gary Oldman made it a point to praise the work of Heath Ledger as The Joker, telling us that he takes his acting to a whole new level with this character.  Oldman in particular, who is widely considered one of the finest actors working today, was particularly complimentary of Ledger's work in the film.  While it's sure to be a powerhouse performance, it will be the last big screen role audiences can associate with the talented Aussie.  I can't tell you how sad this makes me.  Heath came under fire from many when it was announced he would play the classic DC villain.  The skeptics were everywhere.  But once footage was released showing his take on the character, a lot of those voices shut themselves up really quick.  I can't wait to see what he does with it.

  On January 22, Heath Ledger was found dead in a New York apartment at approximately 3pm.  Details are still a little sketchy, but what is known is that he was laying in bed with a bottle of over the counter sleeping medication nearby.  When a masseuse arrived for a scheduled appointment, the housekeeper went to inform Heath, at which time he was discovered to be unconscious and unresponsive.  Emergency personnel pronounced him dead at 3:30pm.  Medical examiners have said there is no suspicions of foul play.  Ledger had admitted in interviews that he'd had trouble sleeping when playing The Joker while filming THE DARK KNIGHT.  An autopsy has been scheduled to hopefully discover the exact cause of death.  Heath had broken up last year with actress Michelle Williams.  They have a daughter, Matilda Rose, who was born in 2005.  Williams also played Ledger's wife "Alma" in the film BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN.

THE DARK KNIGHT images - click for full size versions

 

  Heath Ledger's family called his death "very tragic, untimely and accidental."  Kim Ledger (Heath's father) told reporters "Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life, but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him."  He was also quoted as saying "He was a down-to-earth, generous, kindhearted, life-loving, unselfish individual extremely inspirational to many."  Several major Hollywood stars including Mel Gibson and Nicole Kidman have expressed condolences to his family in this difficult time.

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Heath Ledger received an Academy Award nomination for his role in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN in 2005.

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You can see Heath Ledger's acting credits by clicking here.

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