I was shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Heath Ledger yesterday. He was one of my favorite actors, and I admired his work and the way he didn’t just take any ol’ role to make a buck. He waited until he got scripts he liked. I think I first saw him in 10 Things I Hate About You with Julia Stiles. It’s one of my favorite teen movies. I also really enjoyed A Knight’s Tale and am looking forward to his performance as the Joker in this year’s The Dark Knight, though it will be sad to watch it knowing he’s gone and it will be his last performance. But the role that really showed his range as an actor was that of Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain. I was very disappointed when he didn’t win an Oscar for that performance. However you feel about the movie and its subject matter, he did a fantastic job in the role.
I have to wonder how many other fantastic performances were in store for him. I’m saddened for him, for his little girl, Matilda, his family, his friends, and for the movie-going public who won’t be able to enjoy what would have likely been a long, distinguished career.
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:24 am
My personal Favorite was his performance in A Knight’s Tale. I am also Greatly saddened by his loss.
LAdystyx
PBS
January 23rd, 2008 at 12:28 pm
That was such a cute movie.
January 23rd, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I was STUNNED. My dh worked late yesterday and when he came in, that was practically the first thing he said. “Heath Ledger’s dead.” I think my response was, “No, he’s not. That’s ridiculous.” 28 years old? Lord. He was a great dramatic actor, but I liked him best in the comedies you mentiond. I’ve been waiting for my son to get old enough to watch Knight’s Tale with me.
January 23rd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I love A Knight’s Tale too. Definitely my favorite movie of his.
Such a sad event.
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Tanya, that’s the reaction I had. Stunned. I even woke up this morning wondering if it’d been real or if I dreamed it. When I realized it was real, i was saddened all over again.
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:24 pm
It’s so sad, isn’t it? He was so young, with his whole life ahead of him! ;(
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I’d have never guessed that he would have a possible drug-related death. He must have been an unhappy person despite appearances otherwise. I feel so sorry his little girl.
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I just can’t stop thinking about it. He was so talented. I loved him in 10 Things I Hate About You, A Knight’s Tale and The Patriot.
Trish, I had the same reaction when I woke up. Shocking, I know.
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Much of the speculation is pointing to an accidental overdose, which would make more sense than anything deliberate. Sad, no matter.
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Hey Trish, I’m a fellow PBSer, and completely agree, the death of Heath was unexpected,it’s so sad, I grew up watching his films, my favorite of his was A Knights Tale, but the first I seen was 10 Things I Hate About You.It’s sad that we will never be able to look forward to another new Heath Ledger film.I still can’t believe he’s gone.
January 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Hello Trish! I am also a fellow PBSer, just like Amanda. I liked him in A Knights Tale and didn’t even realize it was him. I enjoyed his performanse immensely in Brokeback Mountain. I also thought he should have won an Oscar for the performance, not many movies have moved me as much as that one did.
January 27th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Hi Trish…another PBSer here. (I read about you on one of the MBs there) I thought HL was outstanding in BB Mountain…and loved him in A Knight’s Tale. I liked that he chose such different roles to play. When you saw him in a movie, you saw the character, not a movie star acting like someone. I feel for his little girl. He will be missed.