Heath; the tragedy

Australian actor Heath Ledger, aged just 28, was found dead in his New York apartment two days ago naked and face down on his bed, surrounded by pills.

It's such a waste of life and talent. The media is currently reporting that his death was accidental, and the drugs were prescribed. Heath was said to have been having trouble sleeping during the filming of the new Batman movie 'The Dark Knight'. It has since emerged that the housekeeper who found Ledger's unconscious body reportedly made two calls to close friend Mary-Kate Olsen before calling 911, and it's possible he may still have been alive when she initially arrived. I can't bear to think this was the case because it makes his death even more pointless. The latest news following the autopsy, is that his death is inconclusive.

Heath was heartbroken by his split with co-star Michelle Williams last year and leaves behind a two year old daughter Matilda Rose.

When I heard the news on GMTV, I was stunned and found myself rooted to the spot, hand over my mouth with tears in my eyes. I couldn't believe it. A few years ago, I had a massive crush on the guy, despite the age gap but then you can't control who you're attracted to can you? I first noticed him in the teen film '10 things I hate about you'. I can still remember the reaction I had when he appeared in his first scene and it was like 'Hello, who's this?' At the time, his hair was long and curly, which always turns my head (see pic below).

I admired his acting too. He wasn't interested in making any more teen type movies; he had much more ambition. Like another much loved actor of mine, Johnny Depp, Heath was choosy about which film roles he took on, although he didn't get it right a few times. Other than '10 Things', my favourites were 'The Patriot', A Knight's Tale' and 'Brokeback Mountain'. In the latter, he was nominated for best actor in a drama in the Golden Globes and also best actor at the Academy awards.
Filmography in full:

1. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) (filming)
2. The Dark Knight (2008) (post-production) .... The Joker
   
   
3. I'm Not There. (2007) .... Robbie Clark
4. Candy (2006) .... Dan
5. Casanova (2005) .... Casanova
   ... aka Femur (Philippines: English title)
6. Brokeback Mountain (2005) .... Ennis Del Mar
7. The Brothers Grimm (2005) .... Jacob Grimm
8. Lords of Dogtown (2005) .... Skip
   ... aka American Knights (Philippines: English title)
   ... aka Dogtown Boys (Germany)
9. The Order (2003) .... Alex Bernier
   ... aka The Sin Eater (Australia) (Singapore: English title) (UK) (USA: working title)
   ... aka Sin Eater - Die Seele des Bösen (Germany)
10. Ned Kelly (2003) .... Ned Kelly
    ... aka Ned Kelly: Public Enemy No. 1 (Philippines: English title: poster title)
11. The Four Feathers (2002) .... Harry Faversham
12. Monster's Ball (2001) .... Sonny Grotowski
    ... aka Bal du monstre, Le (Canada: French title)
13. A Knight's Tale (2001) .... Sir William Thatcher / Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein of Gelderland
14. The Patriot (2000) .... Gabriel Martin
    ... aka Patriot, Der (Germany)
15. "Roar" .... Conor (13 episodes, 1997-2000)
    - Sweet Bridget (2000) TV episode .... Conor
    - The Cage (2000) TV episode .... Conor
    - Daybreak (2000) TV episode .... Conor
    - Traps (2000) TV episode .... Conor
    - Tash (2000) TV episode .... Conor
    (8 more)
    
    
16. Two Hands (1999) .... Jimmy
17. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) .... Patrick Verona
18. "Home and Away" (1988) TV series .... Scott Irwin (unknown episodes, 1997)
19. Paws (1997) .... Oberon
20. Blackrock (1997) .... Toby Ackland
21. "Sweat" .... Snowy Bowles (1 episode, 1996)
    - Just Good Friends (1996) TV episode .... Snowy Bowles
22. "Ship to Shore" (1993) TV series .... Cyclist (unknown episodes)
23. Clowning Around (1992)

Comparisons to other young actors who left this world before their time will no doubt be made, particularly River Phoenix who died at the hands of drugs, although in totally different circumstances.

To me, Heath was quite a reserved person, and certainly didn't relish attention. His passing is such a tragedy and he will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Heath Ledger 1979 - 2008
R.I.P.