About an hour ago I got a text from a friend in the entertainment industry: Heath Ledger. Dead.
You can’t make stuff like that up. I mean — who would? Heath Ledger? There are a lot of stars that have bad reputations for the party lifestyle, but he never ranked among them.
To be quite honest he was always one of those celebrities that flew under the radar for me. Granted, I’m not really up on my goss as I should be but I really didn’t think he was a “bad boy.” I really didn’t think about him much at all. Which is good. I never saw him on the front of tabloids in the supermarket, in the entertainment section of the papers, or on television for anything greatly negative.
Which is why his death is surprising. They haven’t confirmed that he died of an overdose, but it doesn’t really matter. It will always be associated with his name now, which is truly sad, as he did do some really good work.
Publicity and promotions were just beginning for The Dark Knight, the Batman Begins sequel in which he plays The Joker. In a recent interview from PR-Inside.com kicking off the campaign, Heath explained, “My Joker is going to be less about his laugh and his pranks and more about just him being just a sinister guy.” Interesting parallel? His performance will change the world’s perception of the Joker to something darker, just as the world’s perception of him has likewise dimmed.
Watch The Dark Knight trailer:
After today’s news, does he seem different? Does the role take on a different meaning?
I’ll always remember him for his good performances, and his reputation for being a loving dad, and his love for music and the arts, regardless of what the autopsy reports reveal.
Some great things about Heath:
1) He received “Best Actor of 2005″ awards for Brokeback Mountain from both New York Film Critics Circle and the San Francisco Film Critics Circle.
2) He was nominated for an Academy Award for best actor for his performance in Brokeback Mountain
3) He started a record label with the very talented singer Ben Harpur
4) He directed three music videos for Ben
5) Some of my favourite Heath flicks: Monster’s Ball, Ned Kelly, Cassanova, 10 Things I Hate About You (that’s right,) and of course Brokeback Mountain
6) He was a very loving father to Matilda Rose, 2 years old
Rest in peace, Heath.
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THats sooo sad, I was soo shoshed when I heard about it from an entertainment reporter before it hit the airways. even tho I was not supposed to let the public know I had to text you right away.
you will always know all before others Lisa!
Bobby,
x
Here ya go.
And good obit, by the way. You give a better euology than me.
-Colin
“My Dad and Heath Ledger (A True Story)”
Me
Heath Ledger died.
Dad
Who?
Me
Heath Ledger.
Dad
Keith Ledger?
Me
No, Heath Ledger.
Dad
Who’s that?
Me
He was in Brokeback Mountain.
Dad
(pause)
Keith Ledger?
I was really shocked. I didn’t see the trailer before this, but watching it now, it’s almost like you a hint of a more sinister or darker side, as you say. Since ur in PR….open question: how do publicists deal with it when their celeb dies? i mean…do they still have a job? (hired by management or something) or is it done after that?
Just to mention…guess who’s apartment it was?
http://blog.muchmusic.com/archives/2008/01/heath_ledger_fo.php
Lisa-
I was shocked to hear about Heath Ledger as well. Not only did Hollywood and the world lose a fantastic and deep actor, he also left behind a little girl who will never really know her Father. As a celebrity gossip whore, I admit, I still find it sad and disturbing that instead of celebrating the life that Heath Ledger led, as an actor, father and person, the entertainment and news industry is trying to find fault in his already painful death. The latest is that there was a rolled $20 bill, the media alluding to cocaine use. It makes one wonder if celebrities can ever rest in peace?
What I find most interesting about all this (although, maybe I shouldn’t be thinking of is this way) is how Heath was living leading up to this. He didn’t quite seclude himself from the world, but for about a month, he spent most of his time alone in a hotel room, trying to live the life of someone deep in their own mind. I don’t have great sources or anything, but apparently, he was beginning to live the life of his character.
I don’t follow movies very well, so I didn’t even hear about the film until today. I Googled images of Heath and the Joker, and he looks awesome. I’m looking forward to it.
But yeah, I’m feeling sad about his loss for sure.
Okay. Just watched the trailer. I am so pumped. I can’t wait to see the numbers this movie pulls in. Oh dear, I am a terrible person.