Goodbye Heath

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Why do these things always happen in twos and threes? Last week the troubled but talented Brad Renfro (The Client, Apt Pupil) died of a heroin overdose at the age of 25. And now another gifted young actor is gone.

Heath Ledger is dead at the age of 28, apparently from a sleeping pill overdose.

This blog isn't about movie star gossip, but it is largely about movies. So to wake up to the news that one of the most versatile young performers in Hollywood is lost forever to cinema, is just devastating. Particularly when the performer is in your age bracket and you've watched their career evolve as you yourself have entered the working world, and attempted to make your mark.

Looking at Ledger's filmography on the IMDB, the interesting thing is just how many of his films I've seen, and throughly enjoyed:

10 Things I Hate About You
The Patriot
A Knight's Tale
Monster's Ball
Lords of Dogtown
The Brothers Grimm
Brokeback Mountain (Oscar nominated for this role)
Casanova
and, of course, coming up, The Dark Knight...

In all of these films, whether big budget crowd-pleasers, or dark indie cinema, Heath Ledger exuded a magnetic screen presence. Despite being known for immersing himself deeply in the psychology of his characters, he could still easily move between dark intensity and cocky, cool charm.

So apart from that unforgettable warm, wide smile, here are a few on-screen moments to remember Heath Ledger by.


"It's not everyday you find a girl who'll flash someone to get you out of detention."


"Well then a fox you shall be until I find your name, my foxy lady."


"If you can't fix it, Jack, you gotta stand it."


"Why so serious?"

Cheers, mate, you will be sorely missed...

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