Most people seemed genuinely shocked by the news that Heath Ledger was found dead in his New York apartment yesterday of an apparent “accidental” drug overdose.
Meanwhile, as I listened to everyone from entertainment reporters to his publicists offer spontaneous eulogies, I got the distinct impression that they were already committed to ensuring that the legend of Heath Ledger will surpass that of James Dean.
Yet, this is not nearly as far-fetched as it might seem. Especially since Ledger’s heartthrob celebrity (including his crossover appeal in the gay community), and his body of work (including his Academy-nominated performance in Brokeback Mountain), compare favorably to Dean’s.
Nevertheless, just as it was with grunge rocker Kurt Cobain, Ledger’s death evokes very mixed emotions. After all, he was known as much for being a refreshingly unassuming actor with tremendous potential, as for being a weirdo with seemingly drug-induced idiosyncrasies.
To tell you the truth … we saw it coming…. Heath has gone through a rough road of trying to get sober…. Things were very dark…. His one joy was Matilda.
[Us Magazine quoting a personal friend]
Incidentally, Matilda is the 2-year-old daughter Ledger had with actor Michelle Williams who played his wife in Brokeback Mountain. They reportedly separated in September.
My condolences go out to his family and true friends.
Farewell Heath…RIP
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Heath Ledger dead
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