22 January 2008

R.I.P. Mr. Ledger


This one really hurts. It's always said when someone dies, and this sadness is magnified (at least in the popular consciousness) when we lose someone famous, someone we all know. Rarely, though, is a death as shocking and out of nowhere as this.

Heath was at the peak of his career, and it's clear that he will be an icon of our generation. After all, his last two roles will be Bob Dylan and the Joker. At only 28, he had his whole career in front of him. Now that the media circus has started and gophers are rushing around FOX News with tapes of Heath Ledger discussing death at press junkets like Joan Cusack in Broadcast News, it is important for us to remember the really amazing talent that drew us to him in the first place.

Many people, like me, first became aware of Heath as he was romancing Julia Stiles in 10 Things I Hate About You. He was good, but nothing prepared me for the absolutely spectacular performance he gave in Brokeback Mountain. I'm not just saying that as some Brokeback fanboy. I actually believe it.

I know we all have great memories of Heath. Share them if you feel like it.

EDIT: And as if we didn't have enough reasons to HATE Westboro Baptist Church.

7 comments:

Michael Parsons said...

Got this message on text after seeing Into The Wild. So sad and far too many emotions running around to think. Lovely tribute though.

It would be nice if we lived in a world where the press stayed away and allowed loved ones to grieve.

Vance said...

Totally agree on the Brokeback thing. It's not just because it's a "gay movie" thing. It was truly an amazing movie with an amazing performance that actually moved me.

So sad...

RJ said...

I'm a little more luke warm on the film as a whole compared to a lot of people, but there's no denying how awesome Heath was in it.

Melissa Walker said...

I loved seeing him out of character, like on ELLEN a couple of years ago--just a pure fun guy.

Anonymous said...

Hi. I'm 38 and was just so sad that Heath died. He was an amazing actor with great range appealing to younger (you) and older (me). Thanks for posting.

Anonymous said...

Thta's really sad, I'm still sad about his death, but you know: The talented and charismatic actors never die, they live forever, and hetah ledger is one of them with a short but interting career and the consagration with two iconic characters: Ennis Del Mar and The Joker. RIP

Anonymous said...

I'm only sad that he didn't OD in MK Olsen's apartment after all.