Crazy! I was just stunned when I heard. I wasn't a 'fan' of his, not like Angie or Gerard, but I thought he was a good actor and seemed like a sweet guy. I feel so sorry for his family, especially his little girl. I cried and that shocked me even more cause I don't know why.
I know... terrible. He was a young, promising actor. I was (and still am) looking forward to seeing his "Joker". This made me more sad than I thought it would have...
This really shocked and saddened me too. I couldn't believe it. He was very talented -- I always imagined he would end up with an Oscar one day. He was nominated (and rightly so) for Brokeback Mountain a few years ago. It's especially sad because he has a little girl.
I'm so glad someone started this thread! His death really hit a nerve with me for some reason. Maybe because we're the same age. I absolutely LOVED him in Brokeback Mountain. I haven't seen acting like that in a long time, I was completely engrossed in the story and his character. I first heard the news at the doctor's office on the overhead radio, and I thought they made a mistake or something. It's just so tragic.
Well, I must be one of the few people who haven't seen Brokeback Mountain, but I have loved him in the films I HAVE seen him in. I have to say that his death struck a chord with me as well, and I couldn't really understand why. Perhaps because of his youth, I'm not sure.
He comes from here and they have been talking on the news about having his memorial service at his old school, which is a beautiful old college with gorgeous grounds. I was feeling really good about this choice (well, it has been offered, but I'm not sure if his family has accepted the offer yet) when I heard another news article about a group of religious people perhaps holding a protest at the memorial service because he 'promoted sin' (by acting as a homosexual in Brokeback Mountain). COME ON!!!!! IT WAS ACTING!!!!! And, no matter what his personal beliefs or whatever were, there is NO reason to spoil what should be a special moment for family and friends to remember and honour him. I truly hope that these other people come to their senses and keep right away from it all.
ZedAus --- there's a crazy group here in the U.S. that will protest military funerals because the soldiers fought for a country that promotes "sin." I believe that people have a right to say what they think, but I wish that these types of people would have just a modicum of respect for their fellow human beings.
As for Heath Ledger's career, I've also never seen Brokeback Mountain, but I adore 10 Things I Hate About You. The scene where he sings to Julia Stiles from the stadium stands while she's at soccer practice is one of my favorite movie scenes. Also, I'm always amused by A Knight's Tale (although a lot of that has to do with the guy who plays Chaucer).
I am very sorry for his family and friends. A great loss. He was such a wonderful presence in his movies, and what an emotional range he had! He could pull off such different roles...
The nut-job group that might protest his service is the same one that protests at the military funerals: the Westboro Baptist Church, led by Fred Phelps, in Topeka, Kansas. Based on what I've read, they will only attempt this in the USA, not in Australia; I'm guessing because Australia would never give them a visa to get in.
I support free speech, but I believe what they do qualifies as harassment and hate speech, and they should be kept far away from grieving mourners. If there is a ****, I think they've earned some very warm seats.
Very sorry for his family, and ex and baby girl. He will be missed.