Australian-born actor Heath Ledger was found dead today, Tuesday January 22, 2008, alone in a Manhattan residence. The 28-year-old co-star of the Oscar winning 2005 film BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, for which he was also nominated for a Best Actor Oscar, was found dead at 3:26 pm in New York. According to newspaper reports the Soho apartment he was found in belongs to Mary-Kate Olsen.
At this time police do not know the cause of death, it is only being reported that he was found naked and unconscious on a bed laying face down surrounded by pills while awaiting a massage. Police do not "believe it was a crime." He was declared dead at the scene.
Ledger was discovered by the housekeeper and a masseuse who arrived in the afternoon for an appointment. They knocked on his door and entered his bedroom when he did not respond.
Ledger had recently separated in September 2007 from his girlfriend Michelle Williams with whom he has a two-year-old daughter. Ledger met Williams when she co-starred with him as his wife in BROKEBACK. Director Ang Lee said Ledger's performance had been a "miracle" of acting, echoing a young Marlon Brando.
Heath Ledger also starred in I'M NOT THERE as one of many actors in varying roles all representing different aspects of Bob Dylan. Ledger also plays the Joker in the yet-to-be-released next Batman film, THE DARK KNIGHT, currently in post production.
Ledger also starred in CASANOVA, A KNIGHT'S TALE, THE PATRIOT, MONSTER'S BALL, NED KELLY, THE LORDS OF DOGTOWN, THE BROTHERS GRIMM, and the TV miniseries ROAR.
Heath Ledger's easy-going natural acting style and blonde good-looks will be greatly missed by his many fans all over the world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
© 2008 by Digital Dogs
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--- Digital Dogs is gather's Los Angeles Movie Correspondent ---
Digital Dogs' column, HOLLYWOOD POV, published every Thursday to Gather Essentials: Movies is an insider's look at the art, people, and product of Hollywood.
Digital Dogs is an opinionated writer, editor, and digital designer who lives and works in the entertainment capital of the world. DigiDogs writes critiques, opinion pieces, and news stories that focus on the business, people, and places of Hollywood. DigiDogs' unique film reviews are usually written well before a film's release date, and definitely worth the advance look at the films that influence the world.
You can find all of Digital Dogs' HOLLYWOOD POV columns by using the unique tag of "digidogs" or "hollywood pov." Keep up with Digital Dogs' other postings and Gather activity by joining their Gather network -- just click here - digitaldogs.gather.com - and select the orange "Connect" button on the left-hand side of the page. To see a complete listing of articles by Digital Dogs, click here.
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Comments: 59
I remember him in an early Aussie film... I saw it at an early AFM screening and he stole the film. I think it was called TWO HANDS, with Bryam Brown. Heath had brown hair and was tall and gnagly, like he hadn't grown into his body yet. His talent really stood out.
Personally I thought he should've won the Oscar for his role in BROKEBACK.
Right now news reports are saying his death was not suicide. Perhaps he was sick and took too much meds? Who knows, his death is just such a shock!
He wanted to be dead so he is dead. I admire his balls to pull it off.
the only reason to include kate and mary olsen is to indicate the efficiency of their "money guy." Good real estate, high end stuff-- Ledger reportedly was paying 23,000 a month for his spread, is just a good investment, plain and simple.
You seem to make it sound as if mary and kate olsen were there when he died or something, like it was some lover's nest. Sensationlism in a world "sensed out."
Look I just don't give a damn when Hollywood idiots can't bear the life. Ive known people who wanted to live but had no choice but to die. People who kill themselves in circumstances like this deserve to die and deserve to rot in hell.
Three years ago, he was being lauded for his risky role in Brokeback Mountain and yet today he apparently tried to take his life. The fame, the money - none of it brought him happiness that overcame the pain of this one day.
And... how can people jump to the conclusion he committed suicide????!!!!!
He had everything to live for - get to know some facts before jumping to a conclusion.
How dare you people jump on the suicide bandwagon when the autopsy isn't even complete. There are other ways to die from pills than an overdose and/or suicide. Perhaps he was ill and had an anaphylactic response to a prescribed medication?
Case in point, my own brother. He was disabled due to back and knee injuries. He was prescribed Oxycontin for the pain. He took the prescribed dose, and was found by his wife the next morning. The autopsy revealed the level of Oxy in his system was the prescribed dose. He was not drinking or taking other drugs. It just sometimes happens.
Give the departed a little respect.
sheesh, wait for the coroner at the very least...
The sensationalism comes from people jumping to conclusions, whether it is media or people ready to bash...wait for the coroner at the very least is exactly right.
"And... how can people jump to the conclusion he committed suicide????!!!!!
He had everything to live for - get to know some facts before jumping to a conclusion."
I'm guilty as charged. I'm leaving my original comments up there (scroll up on the thread to see them) because I think it might be good for others to see. I'm sorry for making assumptions.
I rushed to judgment on this one, made assumptions based on pill bottles, etc. If it turns out he had emotional problems, left a note or did commit suicide based on further evidence, I also want to note that I agree with those who wrote: "it doesn't matter who you are, depression doesn't recognize wealth or status. "
Agreed. It can strike anyone without warning. Many patients who have bypass surgery or heart transplants go through deep depressions and much of that is biochemical. It passes. I saw someone go through that, a person who had NEVER been depressed before. Time took care of the depression but there was no control over it. It was biochemical. Major surgery often results in depression, not just because of the fear of surgery but because of the massive biochemical changes caused. Not everyone goes through this. Some do. Not everyone has severe postpartum depression. Some do and some even have psychosis, without warning, after giving birth.
And how much colder to be so gleeful and say, like Jeff did:
> "How is this sad? He is a bastard and will probably rot in hell for eternity for taking his own life. Yeah, that I admit is sad...."
So Jeff, do you know Heath Ledger? If not, then why do you think you have the right to assume the worst of him? Perhaps it's simply your jealousy of his success in life. Or perhaps you're just one of those people who feel better when you can put other peple down. Thats' pretty low which ever way you look at it.
Right now the autopsy has been finished and they're waiting on the toxicology report before informing the press on the results. Personally, I believe he was too ill with pneumonia and prolly took too many meds that didn't agree with each other and might have helped to slow down his breathing... which would have led to his death by pneumonia.
I was most upset when I saw this on CNN news worldwide at 9 am this morning. We are in Germany so that was 3 am for the East Coast. Wish I had not watched but would have found out much later either way.
No one said anything about Olsens' being involved with Ledger in this piece, all that was said was that Ledger died in her apartment. I assume he was renting it from her as most people can only live in one place at a time, and most stars live pretty nomadic lives. But since so may of you were so intent on assmuing the worst of Ledger by assuming he had taken his own life than I can understand how you would take other facts and continue to assume your own worst fantasies.
It's particularly ignorant to take pleasure at the problems and failures of others (especially celebs) and assume you are somehow better. The only difference between you and any celeb is that they prolly have a more successful life and more money than you. It called jealousy & envy.
Would you prefer I censor what I write to conform to your personal standards of what you feel is news worthy? Or should I give you all the info without forming opinions... as many of you did... before all the facts were in?
No. I reported the news at is was and you all took it from there, complaining about Ledger and bad-mouthing him before all the facts were in. Look at yourselves for the answers about your own negative behavior and stop complaining about the news you read.
Regardless of all the BS, Ledger was a talented and charismatic actor who had a great life ahead of him and everything to live for and it was all taken away by chance. The chance of a serious illness, the chance of mixing meds that shouldn't have been mixed, the chance of life.
The fact that you state he will "go to hell", Jeff, shows that you are not only an unsympathetic, cold person, but a religious hypocrite as well.
Don't people who presume the right to judge and damn others also rot in hell, usually one of their own making?
Don't let movies about Nero and Caligula fool you. They lived at least a couple of hundred years later.
Perhaps, but that didn't happen. A famous person died in another two famous people's apartment BUILDING--- an investment tool. The way you CONTINUE to word it makes it seem as if it is something it isn't.
You sentence makes it sound as if the owner's PERSONAL RESIDENCE was involved, and it wasn't-- kate and mary DO NOT LIVE IN THE BUILDING, much less the apartment were Ledger was found.
Ledger didn't die in "her apartment," he died in his OWN apartment, for which pleasure he was paying 23,000 a month.
In short, moron, you aren't "writing" anything, rather you are simply repeating what the "news," oh, yes, the "entertainment news," has already told YOU.
get a grip goober....
My reasons for what I said was purely because I assumed it was a suicide. I think all suicide victims are bastards because they commit the ultimate act of selfishness. They are all burning in hell in my opinion. For this I make no apologies.
As to your thoughts on suicide...
>"I think all suicide victims are bastards because they commit the ultimate act of selfishness"
IJWTS a few things...from your heated words on the subject I have a feeling you might have personal experience with suicide and if that is the case then I am truly sad for you and your loss.
If that's not the case, then why so angry about it? From my POV suicide is something someone does when they feel they have no alternative and they can't face life as it is for them. They're not thinking clearly and suicide feels like their only option to deal with the pain they are in. It is a selfish act, but it's also a desperate act and I feel sadness for someone who feels that suicide is their only option to deal with the pain and problems in their life.
And since I don't believe in this hateful god everyone worships who enjoys getting people to burn in hell I won't comment on that.
He was an awesome actor, I loved his move A Knight's Tale, looking forward to seeing him in Batman this summer.
Very sad and tragic, but not at all suicidal. You can check out the facts on MNBC.com for the full article.
If it turns out to be suicide - which I truly believe unlikely - his death will be no less tragic. I agree with Digital Dogs and J. Corn that depression is a too-little understood biochemical condition. For those of you who've never experienced depression, it may be difficult to relate or understand the depth of suffering - as well as mental confusion - the disorder causes. I know DD doesn't believe in God, but I do, and agree that no loving God can want any of us to "rot in Hell" eternally. What would be the point of that? God wants us to learn from our mistakes, repent and live a better life. If someone were to truly learn and repent their actions while "rotting in Hell" what purpose would it serve for that soul to remain there? I feel sorry for those who believe in such a cruel Deity.
FYI everyone, whether they own the building or not, those mega-rich twins names are Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
Heath Ledger was a great talent and what seemed to be a good guy. He'll be missed greatly!
It never ceases to amaze me at how we ingratiate ourselves into the personal lives of celebrities and the unnatural demands we make on them, even in death.
Having gained national attention by cheering and spouting "Die Fag Lover - Hell is waiting!" at the funerals of soldiers killed overseas . . . although not gay . . . she wants yet another shot at the spotlight. Soldiers, it seems, defend America . . . and America promotes and accepts Gays.
There website www.GodHatesFags.com is VERY offensive . . . and they are considered a Hate group (duh!) by some.
Incidentally, this morning she realted that they don't picket in Australia because she would be arrested there (though I can't imagine why) . . . but there will be a smaller contingent here in California due to the distance involved . . .
Pathetic.
Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
How do they justify so much hate when Jesus(The "original hippie") preached love and peace?
We must reopen all the insane asylums ronnie raygun closed as soon as possible.
What the hell is wrong with you jJack Midknight? Are you another adult two-year old? Go to MySpace and hang with your peer group. We'll both be happier.
As for those...ugh..."Christians" who plan to picket Ledger's funeral, I believe there's an excruciatingly hot corner of Hell waiting for all of you! "Vengeance is MINE" sayeth the Lord. That means - for those who don't seem...or want... to understand - that GOD is in charge of judgement - NOT you or I.
When religiously fanatical people seek to commandeer a task God says is...GOD's, it ALWAYS ends badly and, like Don pointed out, alienates sane and reasonable people from organized religion!
Instead of picketing, those folks should stay home and search their souls for why they hate so many people..especially when Jesus told them to love one another! Shirley Phelps and her group should be deeply ashamed of themselves!
How can they say they worship/follow/speak to/know/pray to/have a personal relationship with this young Jewish guy who was born 2008 years ago, and yet they don't have any understanding of his supposdly true message of love and brotherhood?
The irony is mind boggling! They act exactly counter to what their supposed lord preaches, yet they call it Christianity. What a warped view of themselves and their religion!
But of course I'm sure he'll now delete them. No one likes to participate in making a fool of themsleves.
So though I didn't know him I will miss seeing him on the screen. There is no doubt he had much more to give to his field; he was and wherever he is now, he still is an artist. And I say God bless him and his family; his family more because it is difficult for a parent(s) to bury the child they once held in their arms and to have to let him go after watching him grow. And God bless all the people whose words have remained positive in response to his passing, but also I pray God blesses those who have shown the darkness that dwells in their souls and spirits, insisting on expressing hurtful and hateful comments towards a man they didn't know but whose work they obviously didn't know or admire.
I reported on Ledger's death right after it was announced and before all the detailed news info from the police was in. I'm so glad I didn't make any pronouncements or judgements about Ledger like so many other people who commented here and like so many other bloggers and websites did.
I found it really surprising that so many had negative judgements of him... and to me it seems as if the negativity was because of two things: 1) he played an ambiguously gay cowboy in a great film, and 2) he was a celebrity so therefore all the people who judged him thought he must have committed suicide.
I don't understand how people like that think at all. I try to NOT make judgements about people. OTOH, I found it fascinating that Mary-Kate Olsen was called twice before 911 was dialed. And at the time I reported on this the police were saying that he had died in Olsen's apartment, which was why I reported it. I thought that was newsworthy... and so it seems did a lot of other people. And that's what my column is all about... the entertainment biz!
I too loved his work and he was brilliant in CASANOVA. I was really surprised when the film didn't seem to get it's audience. He was wonderful in it. I also felt he deserved the Oscar for his work in BROKEBACK. he had a lot of charisma and presence and a long and successful career ahead of him and his death is a real loss for all of us who will never get to see him grow and expand.
I'd like to see more compassion and empathy from people instead of this jump to incorrect conclusions that only reveal the darkness of someone's soul who feels they can judge someone they don't know in the midst of a tragedy.
Heath Ledger will be greatly missed!
The truth is that nobody really knows how or why he died. I prefer not to speculate, and just to remember the performances he gave in his movies, which brought pleasure to so many people.
I feel so sorry for his family; I cannot begin to imagine how his parents and siblings must be feeling, and how awful that his daughter will not have her daddy around as she grows up.
As I expected Heath Ledger's death was due to an unexpected accidental overdose of prescription pills. Here's a quote from a story in the Sidney Morning Herald:
My deepest condolences go out to his family, and his daughter and her mom, Michelle Williams. He was a great actor with a huge career ahead of him. What a terrible loss!